Mr. Chair, if I can beg the indulgence of my colleagues opposite, they'll hear directly how it's relevant to the legislation we're reviewing today.
When we last met, Minister, we examined a number of witnesses who represented victims, and in one case an actual victim herself who told us her brave story and told us why this legislation is so important. I asked her about the timing of this bill.
We've been going through, during the last several months or weeks in this country, endless speculation about the possibility of a spring election triggered by certainly not the government but other parties in the House of Commons, and there seems to be a concern on the other side that perhaps there should be an election soon. That election, if it were to happen.... And I can tell you that people in Mississauga are telling me please, don't have an election, stick to the work; stay focused on the economy and protecting our families and our communities. So I asked them what they think about the possibility of a spring election derailing this bill and what comment they have on the timing.
Ms. Campbell, who was herself a victim and represents victims of child sex abuse, said:
I agree, and just while we've been sitting here talking today, how many children have been tortured, raped? High, high. So it's urgent. I really encourage you to hopefully.... Please use us any way we can support you to get the public awareness out. We would do that.
Both she and Mr. Rushfeldt implored us to move quickly.
I wonder if you could just tell us what you think of how we should deal with this legislation and the threat of derailing it with any kind of an unwanted election.