Whether the word "significant" is there or not, the burden of proof will be the same in sentencing. The goal, the foundation is to arrive at a proportionate sentence. That is the cornerstone of sentencing. The sentence must be proportionate to the degree of the offender's responsibility and the severity of the crime.
The aggravating factors are a recognition of a greater impact than what we would find "commonly", for lack of a better word. Everyone recognizes that an offence will have an effect on a victim, right? If that were it, that would be the general application. This also refers back to what has already been heard from witnesses during these hearings. Vulnerability must not be linked only to age.
I do not necessarily want to use the word "vulnerability", but this wording means that, when a victim is particularly vulnerable because of his or her age and other specific circumstances, the offence has a more significant impact on that victim.