Thank you very much, Mr. Petit.
It actually clarifies some of the Criminal Code provisions that currently exist. At the present time it's been brought to our attention that it wasn't completely clear. Minimum sentences--and there are escalating sentences, as you know, with respect to impaired driving--did not also apply to the offence of causing death while being impaired. It seemed to me that this was an opportunity for us to clarify that yes, of course it does, because it only makes sense. That's the reason we are putting it in there.
With respect to impaired driving, as you know, we have another piece of legislation before Parliament that is substantive in nature and helps clarify some of the issues with respect to impaired driving, in particular with respect to impaired driving as a result of a drug. You would of course be aware of that. I think it provides some of the tools that law enforcement officers have been looking for. It's of substantive nature and certainly underscores the government's commitment with respect to impaired driving. As you pointed out, this provision in this bill is more of a technical nature, and it's consistent with the philosophy of a bill like this.
In answer to Madame Freeman's question, Madame Desaulniers pointed out that it's not meant to introduce either controversial or large substantial changes to the Criminal Code, because that would be more appropriate, in my opinion, for a stand-alone bill. This bill strictly deals with technical amendments. There are, of course, some substantive amendments that we believe are non-controversial, and we're hoping to move them through the system.
Thank you, Mr. Petit.