I understand that you don't interpret the statistics the same way. I recognize that. I would also like to ask other people here to testify.
I think you are all aware that Quebec had a particular system for handling youth crime. In Quebec, youth crime is actually markedly lower than in the rest of Canada. In fact, for the existing act, it drew partly on that experience, as Ms. McLellan had in fact promised me when I was Minister of Justice in Quebec. She incorporated part of that experience in the act. We achieved a reduction.
You also raised the problems of specific groups, like aboriginal people. Others have also talked about people of colour and certain immigrant groups. You undoubtedly know about the desire to amend section 3 of the Young Offenders Act, which establishes the general principle of aiming for reintegration, rehabilitation and prevention by giving sentences proportionate to the offence committed and to the person. A similar provision already existed.
Do you think that this change to the general principle will make it possible to treat minority clienteles more fairly? Those clienteles are in the minority in the population, but unfortunately are in the majority in young offender detention centres.