Also, he points out two issues. He was hoping they would be examined a bit more closely by the committee.
The first relates to a point already raised by Ms. Smith. It has to do with concurrent sentences. Can they be concurrent or must they be consecutive?
Mr. Cotler wanted to know to what extent you would be open to this notion. He does not want to restrict judges' discretionary powers with impunity. Obviously, circumstances vary from case to case. So there is a need for this discretion.
He seemed to favour encouraging the imposition of consecutive sentences rather than making this an obligation. We have seen the result of your discussions with the Quebec Bar Association. If this question was raised, what were your thoughts on the matter?