Minister, does your department have a documentation centre where studies and data are compiled and could committee members possibly visit this facility?
My concern is that we're embarking on an ideological quest, one that is not supported by statistics or scientific data. Everyone is entitled to their own convictions. I'm not arguing that point, but I really would like to see your data.
When Bill C-68 was adopted under Allan Rock, 19 minimum mandatory sentences were added all at once for weapons-related offences. I've been told that since then, no studies have been carried out on benefits of minimum sentences as a deterrent.
If scientific experts come before the committee and prove that mandatory minimum sentences definitely act as a deterrent, I will be willing to change my position. My concern is that you are locked in an ideological battle to please your constituency, a battle that is not based on statistics or studies.
Has your department studied the impact of minimum sentences? Since you're known for being a generous and hospitable person, would you be willing to allow committee members to visit your documentation centre, if such a centre does in fact exist?
Have any studies been done on the impact of minimum mandatory sentences? Yes, or no.