For firearms trafficking to be reduced, we feel that laws that contain deterrents are important. Minimum sentences, specifically, send a clear message that using a firearm during the commission of a crime in Canada is considered very negatively. Partnerships between the various agencies involved in fighting firearms trafficking is also essential. We are already moving in that direction, but we believe that it is important to encourage all agencies, those working on our borders and elsewhere, to do whatever they can to be part of the effort to stamp out the trade in firearms. Partnerships between police services are also vital.
As to the influence of globalization on criminal activity, clearly information and intelligence exchange between organizations is essential, both in Canada and abroad. Many non-police organizations have information or intelligence from other countries about the inroads being made by organized crime and it makes no difference where they come from. We have a number of examples of cases currently under investigation where criminals from outside Canada are trying to take over markets here. There are organizations that have that information. It is important for information of that kind to be provided to police, even when it comes in the form of financial transactions or transactions where the facilitators know that people from outside are trying to place dirty money in Canada. It is important to make this information available both inside and outside Canada.