We didn't discuss that approach, which is very positive and takes into account certain situations in which the people who appear in court often have a major substance abuse problem.
I must tell you I fully support this measure. I'll give you an example of that. In New Brunswick's youth court, we're lucky in that we have the Portage substance abuse program, which has had a lot of success.
In the past—and I don't believe that will change because this is a reiteration of our position—our judges have been able, based on what the lawyers and social workers told them, to determine that, if there was a substance abuse problem, the young offender in question had to take the program.
Without realizing it at first, we told young offenders that we thought their best chance was to take part in the program, to change their lives. People don't realize that these programs are often tougher than being incarcerated, for a certain period of time.
It isn't easy for a young offender to leave his family and friends, to be required to do a self-examination, to deal with life and to go into a treatment centre where he will have to stay for eight, nine or 10 months. The entry date is guaranteed, but not the exit date because all the program stages have to be completed.
I have a lot of respect for the youths and adults who go this road because they take charge of their own lives. They're often dealing with a situation even more difficult than in a correctional setting.
There is also this entire issue of the family taking part in the treatment. The families are allowed to express their views, and I believe it works for the benefit of the community to ensure that these individuals can find a road that leads them toward a more productive life.