Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I'd like to thank all the witnesses who have joined us this morning.
Mr. Gottardi, I share the concerns of the Canadian Bar Association. I read your brief carefully. Anyone who has practised in the field would agree that these are not the easiest criminal provisions to read and understand, in terms of intent. But this is part of the everyday reality of crown attorneys, police officers, members of the controlling forces and defence lawyers. Everyone agrees that if everything were simplified and clarified, it would be better. But we need to be careful. If there's one thing I've learned as a lawyer, it's that simple legislative documents and lawyers aren't many. I haven't seen many in the course of my career.
We also heard from Mr. McLeod, of the Association of Professional Security Agencies. One of my concerns deals with citizen's arrests.
Mr. McLeod, according to the provision as drafted, I don't see how you could be involved closely or remotely in the arrest of someone without a warrant if you did not witness the incident. You aren't an extension of the person whose property was stolen. Is that how you interpret this provision? I felt like there had been a bit of lobbying, that you would be allowed to do a little more to lighten the load of the public authorities. But people from the police association told us that it should be left in their hands since they were properly trained to do this work.
I'd like to know what your position is with respect to Bill C-26.