I am the representative of the Bâtonnier du Québec. To my knowledge, the standing committee on criminal law of the Barreau du Québec could not identify a single study showing that the system under consideration was not satisfactory or was having problems.
I told you about the requirements for making an application. From what I understand from the Correctional Service, an individual simply needs to make an application within the 90 days, with the documents. That is not what the rules of procedure say in Quebec regarding reducing the parole eligibility period. The application is defined in them, and these are 18 sections of regulations, with two schedules, in which a certain number of documents have to be provided and affidavits completed. I don't think I could appear before the Superior Court in Montreal and simply say that I am representing Mr. So-and-so, who was sentenced 15 years ago, and I want to make my application because I have complied with the 90 days, and say I will provide the rest. Rather, my impression is that the nice clerk will hand my pleadings back to me and tell me to complete my document, and when they have the documents, they will take them before the chief justice.