Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
I would like to respond to Mr. Cotler, who said a little earlier that criminalization was part of a whole. I am concerned by the fact that we heard witnesses say criminalization could have a negative effect,
putting the wrong kids at the wrong place. That's something which for me is of concern. I don't think in any of the amendments that were put forward we really addressed this issue.
I understand why one might think that is a step in the right direction. I know that my colleague, Mr. Morin, has worked very hard on this, particularly in the area of prevention. And, as my colleague Ms. Boivin said, I am very pleased that the Conservatives are talking about prevention. You would think we were in the twilight zone, where everything is reversed. As someone who is beginning to sit on the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights,
I find it really interesting.
Indeed,
I do have some concerns in terms of what we heard from the witnesses, experts saying that this does not really address the issue for youth, that it might have a negative impact on youth. That is of concern.
I also agree with Mr. Seeback. I also asked Dr. Fry about what this bill would have changed in the past. I did not get a clear answer. She went on to talk about one specific case, but it ended up that they did not pursue it or it never went further.
Also, if we look at it from a technical perspective, we have probably heard that it doesn't add much. One of the witnesses asked if mobile bullying would be covered in terms of cyberbullying. We do not think it would, but then it would already be covered by the Criminal Code.
I understand where the Conservatives are coming from. I just wanted to put in my two cents.