Given that I found out last night I was coming, you'll appreciate.... I apologize, I do not have a written statement.
Our position, though, is certainly one of not wanting to see further restrictions on the use of section 745 of the Criminal Code, judicial review procedures. As I had indicated when I appeared at the Senate committee, in my capacity as the national director of the Elizabeth Fry Society I have worked with most of the women eligible to apply for a section 745 review. I am very familiar with most of their cases and have worked on them. So I'm happy to answer questions about some of that experience.
I understand there's also interest in knowing some of the issues with respect to overcrowding and the potential for this to impact overcrowding. I have requested and received some information from Correctional Service of Canada. I can also speak to the impact in terms of the women who have already proceeded through the judicial review procedure, the success of those women reintegrating into the community, and the challenges they have faced in being able to pursue their lives after being incarcerated.
Thank you.