Thank you for that.
I thank all of the witnesses we have here today for what I think are thoughtful submissions. I agree with you that the police play a unique role in the justice system, and that's part of the reason this government has decided that the police should play a role on the judicial advisory committees. To suggest, as some members opposite have, that this is somehow earth-shattering, I certainly don't see that.
I see in your submission, Mr. Giroux, that you've made mention of some of the changes that have taken place over the years, from “qualified” and “not qualified” to “highly recommended”, “recommended”, and “unable to recommend”. Now it's going to be “recommended” and “not recommended”. There have been other changes made. So this is certainly not the first time that the judicial advisory committees' composition has in fact been changed. I would suggest it's probably not the last time that they'll be changed. I think if they were working reasonably well before, they'll continue to work reasonably well in the future.
Any one of you may want to comment on the fact that, as I see it, the police play a role in the justice system that some of the other parties that were named as special interest groups do not play. The police have a unique role, as has already been mentioned, and it is for that reason we feel they should be included.
At the end of the day, the decision remains, as it always has been, with the minister and with the Governor in Council on the appointment. Now we're hearing from a broader spectrum of individuals who are interested in the justice system and in fact have a vested interest in the working and the success of our justice system.