I want to focus on a technical issue. Currently, subsection 3(1)(a) sets out the general principle of the act. The bill would do away with this provision and substitute in its place a provision that is similar in every respect but one to the existing subsection 38(1)(c) which provides that a sentence must be proportionate to the seriousness of the offence and to the degree of responsibility of the young person for that offence.
Do you not think that placing this provision, which currently applies to the sentencing process, at the beginning of the act puts the whole system at a disadvantage? Wouldn't we be better off applying the best possible measure when the youth is before the justice system?