--has already been passed by the Senate. If you make minor amendments to it, if you're uptight about the name of the bill, it means the matter will then have to go back to the Senate. That's the system of government we have.
So when I'm trying to explain to victims that there is a general consensus that we want to get rid of the faint hope clause, I have to tell them we have a couple of amendments now at the House of Commons that will delay the bill. That's the point I've made.
With respect to the increases, the money for advertising comes from separate funds. You mentioned, among other things, the child advocacy centres. That money is available for groups across Canada to make applications to put together a child advocacy centre, or to assist with one that may already be up and running. That's what the money goes for. In addition, the money to support victim services against violence in aboriginal communities, again is new money that has been announced to assist in the pursuit of those who have victimized aboriginal women.
That being said, it's important to get that message out. That's not what this money is being used for, but I mentioned the education and the advertisements we're doing because we want victims and individuals to take up these programs and to become aware of what they are referring to.
Now, with respect to legal aid, yes, there are transfers to legal aid with respect to criminal...and, as you pointed out, with respect to the refugee system. Yes, we do that. Most of the questions that have been directed towards me with respect to the constitutional separation or the arrangements that have been made with the provinces and territories relate to civil legal aid.
As I indicated to them, prior to 1995 when I was an MP here in the early 1990s and I was the parliamentary secretary to the justice minister, I of course watched and looked each year to ensure that money was being transferred from the federal government for the purposes of civil legal aid. This would help people, for instance, on matrimonial disputes.
Now, in 1995—I was not a part of that, as I'm sure you're aware—it was rolled over into the Canada social transfer. So what I've indicated when I have been at the Canadian Bar Association and other forums, is that I've said yes, I watch the budget every year and am pleased that each year the Canada social transfer has been increased, because I know, then, that the opportunity therefore exists for provinces to assist in the area of civil legal aid and indeed other worthwhile projects.
But it is sometimes put to me why I don't go back to having a line item, and as you could probably guess, a number of provincial jurisdictions aren't welcoming that and encouraging us in that direction.