Thank you, Mr. Chair.
As Ms. Findlay and others might note, I do oppose mandatory minimums, although that's not my reason at this point for supporting the amendment. Even on the matter of mandatory minimums, I don't always go in lockstep. There may be exceptions even there that I might relate to.
There are a number of considerations here that prompt me to support the amendment. Reference has been made by Mr. Woodworth to denunciation; I think it is an important principle, but I believe denunciation resides in the very adoption of Bill C-217 to begin with. Clearly, this offence could be prosecuted and has been prosecuted under other approaches to the law of mischief, whether it be cultural property or religious property, so the offence could otherwise be prosecuted. You don't need this law to prosecute this particular offence. It is the very importance of denunciation so as to have specificity with regard to this offence that we have the offence set forth to begin with, and I support that.
On the amendment and why I support it, I think it would maintain consistency in the application of the law with respect to offences of this kind. Otherwise, we are distinguishing inappropriately with respect to both the generic nature of the commission of this offence and the victims involved. As I believe it has been said by Mr. Harris, a third approach—one that it is anchored in the principle of restorative justice—is particularly appropriate with regard to the amendment here. Finally, it will avoid the plea bargain situation in which denunciation, if not deterrence, may not be fulfilled precisely because as a result of the plea bargain; you will not even secure the very objectives of Bill C-217 to begin with.
For those considerations, I will support the amendment.