Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I also want to commend the witnesses for being with us today.
May I begin by saying that I want to commend Maureen Basnicki in particular for her sustained advocacy over the years. You've taken a personal tragedy and converted it into the kind of action and advocacy that inspired me when I was Minister of Justice to propose—and when we were defeated could not go ahead with it—civil remedies for victims of terrorism. It was one of my first recommendations, as you may recall, that I made to Stockwell Day. With the incoming government, I'm glad this legislation is now before us, as well as your four clarifying amendments today, which I support.
To Jayne Stoyles, I think your contribution, in terms of advocating a civil remedy for victims of torture, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, deserves support as well. I hope that will be done, if necessary by independent legislation. You, too, have inspired me to introduce a private member's bill in that regard.
My question, though, will be for Mr. Comras, because with regard to this particular legislation before us, I recall your testimony before the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs. Relating to this legislation, in particular to the listing mechanism, you said don't go there; don't enact that legislation. Your exact words were, “If we had to do it over again, I have no doubt we would have done it without a list,” and you concluded your testimony with the words, “Please learn from our lesson. ...do not make the same mistake.” I just want to say that that inspired me to introduce a private member's bill that supports in principle the legislation before us, but without the listing mechanism.
I'm wondering if you can just elaborate as to why you think the listing mechanism would be a mistake, apart from the political arbitrariness involved, and what would be an effective alternative to a listing mechanism.