Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank the three witnesses, who made very interesting presentations.
I would like to go back to some statements made by Professor Stewart. If I understood the brief you submitted correctly, the current provisions of the Criminal Code that concern self-defence and the defence of property have been in effect since around 1892. This will be one of the most important changes ever made with regard to the matter of self-defence and the defence of property. That is one more reason to do things right.
I'll address my first comment to Mr. Preston, who represents the Association of Chiefs of Police. Last week, we heard from Mr. McLeod, who is the president of an association of professional security agencies. I understand that you support the proposed amendments and that does not concern me. That said, I still am under the impression, based on the statements we've heard, that security agencies would like to do the work that police officers cannot do because of a lack of resources, such as deal with shoplifting, for instance.
Would you be favourable to allowing security agencies greater powers of arrest in the context of Bill C-26 and other amendments that may be submitted to deal with those aspects which should normally be your responsibility?