Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I do appreciate the fact that you're here, Madame Morency. When we're dealing with private members' bills, one of the biggest problems we face is not knowing how well they have been vetted from a legal angle, and perhaps having an adviser like this, even in the form of a witness, much earlier in the process for private members' bills would help all of us. I certainly welcome the fact that you're here now.
The second point—and I may continue to do this with respect to the member opposite, Mr. Woodworth—is that the use of names in this kind of context is often necessary for clarity of the record, because we're referring compendiously to an argument or series of arguments where it's much easier to say what Mr. Woodworth was arguing so that people will know where to go in Hansard.
This is not a court of law where from genteel reference to the member opposite, or other counsel, it's obvious whom you're referring to, or even in the House. As you acknowledge yourself, this is not a court of law, and I much prefer that people be identified for the arguments they make than necessarily be cloaked in anonymity. You can refer to me as Mr. Scott or Craig, whatever you want. You can refer to me as much as you want.
Third, I also don't want to get into comparing who can remember their introductory criminal law course better. Mine was more recent, but my memory may be worse than yours, so it may all wash out in the end.
Finally, when one concludes that the side opposite is being disingenuous purely on the basis of one's faith in one's own legal analysis and logic, the conclusion that the other side is being disingenuous is only as strong as your logic. To the extent that you're wrong, it's a real leap of faith to be calling people disingenuous.
That's all I would say.
In terms of the point brought up by Mr. Woodworth about concealing identity as being in some respects superfluous, that alone would be a cause of concern, the fact that there's wording in the provision that doesn't need to be there, that in effect it is a general intent offence, where to conceal identity is simply assumed, or is a strong presumption.
I would ask, Madame Morency, do you think that the words—and perhaps this is going to cause more confusion—“to conceal their identity“, especially in light of the French, where it says “dans le but de dissimuler son identité ”, have any work to do in the clause?