In fact, a review was done, and it looked at all the sections of the Criminal Code that could apply to situations involving elder abuse. I don't have it here, but it is available on the Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse's Web site. I think it would go a long way just to re-examine how each of those specific sections could be better applied to cases involving seniors.
The questions I wondered about earlier may have had less to do with the actual wording of the bill than the application of the bill. As regards the idea of a significant impact, I agree. For instance, the WHO definition of elder abuse I read to you mentions harm or distress caused to an older person. That is similar to the concept of a significant impact. I just want to make sure that, when it comes time to hand down the sentence, the judge has everything he or she needs to assess that significant impact.
I mentioned the victim impact statement in court. It's not an easy form to fill out. Bear in mind that a number of Canada's elderly are functionally illiterate. I am not so sure they would be able to put down in writing everything they have gone through.
Applying this change correctly means putting the right mechanisms in place so that seniors' perspectives can truly be heard. Otherwise, I fear we are missing the mark.