Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I practised criminal law for the defence for 30 years, and I have great difficulty in accepting that we tell a court of law to hand down minimum prison sentences. I think that goes against everything we have passed in Canada, especially in the context of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. I'm thinking of two very important principles, one being the independence of the judiciary and the political authority, and especially—and this is one of the very important principles—the tailoring of sentences.
I would like to raise two points. First I hope you'll speak to your young students. In fact, if you haven't already, I'm telling you that under this bill, section 3 amends paragraphs 7(2)(a) and (b) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the one under our consideration. Under this bill there would be a minimum sentence of six months of imprisonment for a young adult of 18 years or more who has three cannabis plants in his home, because that would fall under the 201 plants or less. I put this question to the minister last week and that is exactly what he answered. Can someone here explain to me what the difference is between a 17-year-old and an 18-year-old youth. I still don't understand. We would tell a 17-year-old to not do it again whereas we would hand down a minimum six-month sentence to an 18-year-old, even if that 18-year-old has no past record. If that adult does have a past record, then the sentence will be one year.
Mr. Plecas, here is the problem I submit to you. Should we repeal section 718 of the Criminal Code while we're at it? That's what the people opposite think we should do. What do you think? Section 718 deals with sentences and what should guide the courts. You have given us statistics that I have never seen. What about the 2008 Supreme Court ruling in R. v. L.M., according to which sentences should be tailored? In your opinion, should the priority be tailoring sentences or handing down minimum sentences, even if that means disregarding what the Supreme Court ruled and disregarding one of those important principles, which is the tailoring of sentences?