Thank you.
The most conclusive study on mandatory minimum sentences was conducted for the Solicitor General of Canada, by Mr. Crutcher and Mr. Tabor. These studies are very clear: mandatory minimum sentences do not act as deterrent, nor do they have an incidence when it comes to reoffending. There is no doubt about this. There is a whole host of studies demonstrating that they do not work.
This bill is ideologically based and attempts to give a false sense of security. This is why, unfortunately for some, the opposition parties are likely to do what they have to do by voting against this bill at committee stage. If you'd like, Mr. Petit, I'd be willing to bet you a large beer.
Now let's come back to organized crime and Bill C-95, which has become Bill C-24. I'd really like you to take your time and tell us... First, your appraisal of the mega trials is interesting. In my opinion, an offence under sections 466 and 467 of the Criminal Code should have been established. Indeed, during the 1990s, the Department of Justice thought it could break up organized crime networks by relying on the conspiracy provisions. I remember having discussed this with senior officials who were convinced networks could be pulled apart simply by virtue of the conspiracy provisions.
I didn't agree; I really thought the notion of a gang needed to be defined, because the existing definition wasn't always functional. Initially, a gang was five people who committed five offences over five years. Then, a parliamentary committee suggested three. Warrants for wiretapping were extended. The whole process was enhanced. This meant that the major organized crime networks were able to be broken up, not as a result of mandatory minimum sentences, but rather, because law enforcement was given the tools it needed to gather evidence, including wiretapping, which is the best way to dismantle organized crime. As a result of the decision in Stinchcombe, it became possible to bring people before the courts. This decision made complete disclosure of the evidence mandatory. Initially, people weren't happy about this. Eventually, people learned to deal with it.
Having said this, Ms. Beare, I would like you to say more about your fears concerning gangsterism and its effects on Bill C-10, which you referred to at the start of your presentation.
I'll then have a short question for the Canadian Council of Criminal Defence Lawyers.