Again, Monsieur Petit, the facilitating, the support of witnesses in a criminal proceeding is many times a challenge.
One thing I think this bill does is bring some clarity to the offence that is being talked about. We won't get into discussions with, for instance, a 14-year-old—whether the 14-year-old consented, for instance—because if the individual is 20 years of age or more, it is an offence to have any sexual activity with that individual. So we won't have the extra hurdle that takes place in a courtroom, which presently exists, where the accused can make the claim that the 14- or 15-year-old consented to that and then that becomes an issue. That becomes one of the great challenges, quite frankly, for police, crown attorneys, and those who are interested in protecting children.
So bringing this kind of clarity to that particular issue, I think, is one of the major benefits of Bill C-22. To that extent, it will be welcomed in communities across this country that are quite worried about the sexual exploitation of children at that age.