Thank you, Mr. Chair.
You have amendment Liberal-1 before you. Bill C-452 requires judges to issue consecutive sentences for offences under section 212 of the Criminal Code. This amendment would allow for exceptions if the judge deems consecutive sentences to be not in the best interests of justice, and would require a written explanation from a judge in such cases.
I wasn't here for the testimony, but I understand that you've heard compelling testimony that concurrent sentences for exploitation are presently the norm, and that this norm has to be reversed in order to create a disincentive for those committing exploitation to expand their operations. I believe that this can be done without compromising the proper role of the judiciary or charter guarantees such as those against cruel and unusual punishment.
As such, this amendment would preserve the bill's instruction to judges that sentences under section 212 of the code are to be served consecutively, while allowing for concurrent sentences in exceptional circumstances, thus retaining judicial discretion. Further, it would require judges to explain in writing their decision to provide concurrent sentences in such cases.