I really have no opening statement. It was my understanding there were some technical questions about how the bill worked, and particularly whether a person who traffics in one joint to a friend is subject to the minimums. The answer to that, quite shortly, is no, because that particular section, which is the amendment to the new paragraph 5(3)(a) begins with, “subject to paragraph (a.1),” and (a.1) goes on to state: “if the subject matter of the offence is a substance included in Schedule II”--obviously cannabis--“in an amount that is not more than the amount set out for that substance in Schedule VII,”--which is three kilograms--“is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years less a day”.
There is no mention of a minimum penalty there whatsoever. So the person who is giving less than three kilograms is not subject to the mandatory minimums.
I understand that was a question that had arisen.