Thank you.
I simply wish to state that given that a conviction can be appealed, and taking note of the statement of the legal counsel of the justice department that, had Mr. Murphy's amendment gone through it would have required amending other sections in order to ensure the crown would have an opportunity to appeal, I find Mr. Dechert's comments offensive. I don't mean offensive to offenders but offensive to our judicial system and to all Canadians. We have a judicial system that is built on the basis that it is better that 99 guilty people go free than one innocent person be convicted. It's based on law and order. I heard that being stated by members of the government.
So to say that bringing this amendment in—which would require a judge to give reasons orally or in writing for either decision that's been made and not just when the decision has been made in one way—is indicative of Liberals again being on the side of criminals rather than Canadians.... I hope to God that no one in his circle of friends ever gets caught up in the justice system, because if they ever do, they will be happy that there are protections for their rights under our Charter of Rights and Freedoms and built into our Criminal Code.
I move that we vote.