Thank you.
Thank you for taking the time to come and testify before us today.
We have received a letter. Unfortunately, I am going to have to read the English version because we have not received the French version yet. It was written by Mr. Archie Kaizer. He says that the bill is not really necessary. Let me read an excerpt from his letter:
Judges are required to take into account all the aggravating and mitigating circumstances in an individual case, an obligation of the common law and the Criminal Code, under s. 718.2. The Code...states some of the factors which may exacerbate a sentence, including offences motivated by “bias, prejudice or hate” on the basis of certain grounds or “terrorism.”
In your opinion, is this bill really necessary? Based on your experience, do you agree with him that a judge will consider the motives behind this kind of crime?