Yes, that's a good point.
I remember having looked at this. You quite correctly pointed out, and it's to be expected, that as each province develops, or doesn't develop, a program, there are considerable variations. As you pointed out, in one of them the fine option program does not apply to individuals who are given a fine. Again, it goes back to the question Madame Boivin directed to me in terms of judicial discretion. Presumably the judge, in making a fine, is aware of the fact that he or she is imposing a monetary amount on an individual who has been convicted of a crime, and that the surcharge, which is going to be 30%, is a part of that.
That being said, over the years I've been assured by my provincial counterparts that these programs do work well and they do accommodate individuals who would, for whatever reason—and it could be reasons of poverty, as you indicated—say they can make their contribution back to society, to begin that reconciliation process, by helping out and doing some sort of good community work. Again, that works.
It still accomplishes the same thing: making individuals responsible for what it is they have done and at the same time making a contribution. Again, I think most people would agree with me that these programs shouldn't be simply funded by law-abiding Canadians, but by the individuals who have been convicted.
As you say, there's a wide range across the country. Certainly, when I get together with my provincial and territorial counterparts in another week, I will be glad to have another discussion with them. I'll be interested to know how this will work with respect to their fine option programs and, indeed, if they're making any plans for changes.