It was the first undertaking I made after being sworn in as Minister of Justice. I was advised by my department that I should pack my bags, because I was going to every province and territory to meet with provincial representatives and many different advocacy organizations on behalf of victims, victims themselves, criminal justice professionals, territorial officials, and non-governmental organizations. I should point out that we met with first nations communities and representatives of Métis and Inuit organizations.
We heard some heart-wrenching stories, Mr. Goguen. I think you'll recall in New Brunswick that we heard from individuals—and I know that many of you have had similar experiences—who were feeling, and often used the term, re-victimized as a result of what had occurred.
This bill attempts to address many different elements, but many included lack of information or somebody had not given them proper information or not advised them of a decision that was being taken that very much impacted on them. They were not given information, in some cases, about the release of an offender. In one instance I recall vividly a woman telling us that while in line at the grocery store she met the person who had sexually assaulted her, and this brought back such horrendous emotions, fears, and anxieties.
It's my sincere hope, and I think you will all share this, that we will to the greatest extent possible, through the enforcement of these rights, prevent that re-victimization or sense that the system has somehow failed them. There is no perfect filter through which we can prevent every failing, but I do believe this bill will bring about a tremendous improvement, as I said earlier.