Again, I do consult widely on these, and when I get together with my provincial counterparts, who have responsibility for the mental health components of this, I always ask them for their input because they ultimately have the responsibility for the hospitals. They set up the boards that review the dispositions of the individuals found to be not criminally responsible, and for the most part, the treatment these individuals receive is administered by provincial agencies. So I do consult very closely with them, and indeed I certainly appreciate and rely on the input they make to, quite frankly, not just this piece of legislation but a number of pieces of legislation that we have heard.
But quite apart from that, we do speak with victims' groups on a regular basis wherever I go in this country.
I would say to all individuals and groups having a look at this, look at the components of the bill. This is very reasonable in terms of clarifying what the law is, better protecting victims, and indeed, addressing the issue of a small number of high-risk individuals who are a risk to the public and a risk to themselves. That's all I'd say to groups that....
I have to say that I do appreciate the input I have had from provincial attorneys general and those who work with people in this area. It's been very satisfying and I've been very encouraged. Indeed, I've been very encouraged, since the introduction of this bill, that a number of them have come forward and said that they are supportive of the different elements of this.
The bill, overall, works and I hope, Mr. Casey—and I believe, Mr. Chairman, you'll be having a number of witnesses over the next couple of days—that certainly you'll come to the same conclusion I've had, that this is a very reasonable response to a number of issues that have been raised in this area.