Welcome. I know that you have many years of experience, but I am a little surprised by your testimony. You have practised in this area. You have been asked in your capacity as a professional to defend members of criminal organizations. Of course, I am not holding that against you, but we must all remain aware of the fact that this is the point of view from which you are testifying here today.
Further, I think that you should carefully reread the brief which was presented by Mr. Randall Richmond from the Bureau de lutte au crime of the Department of Justice of Quebec, and the brief presented by the RCMP. On this committee, we don't feel it is normal, as far as criminal organizations are concerned, that if a trial takes place in Manitoba, Saskatchewan or New Brunswick, it must be proven in every case that the individuals involved are indeed members of a criminal organization. If it was possible to avoid this, the Crown would save a lot of time and resources. In short, that is our objective.
You did not mention the second objective at all, which concerns intimidation. In the course of the trial held in Ontario, the judge pointed out that a member of the Hells Angels had left his wallet on a bike which he had ridden during a rally, and that because the Hells Angels are so intimidating, he did not even need to fear that his wallet would be stolen.
By declaring that these groups are outlaws, we want to ensure that they become less intimidating and less terrorizing to society. Of course, I believe that modalities will be applied. There will have to be a certain number of trials and the list will have to be established based on modalities which respect certain principles. I believe that in establishing such a list, you are dealing rather quickly with the committee's objectives. I imagine that your professional background explains that to some extent.
I will give you the opportunity to reply. I will then have other questions for you. In fact, I would ask you to say hello to your daughter for me.