Yes: the two Erics.
Madame Boivin, there are a couple of answers to that, I think. On its face, I think this provision has a lot to recommend it. From my own experience, and participating in consultations with the minister, one of the main criticisms from many victims is the lack of information about what's going on. Certainly the agreement to enter into a guilty plea is the culmination of the case, and often leads directly to the sentence.
I think the concern arises more from the practical side for those of us who have been in the busiest provincial courts in our busy cities or centres. Rick can speak of Halifax. I can speak of Vancouver. In Hastings, when you have 50 cases on the docket and 10 of those accused in custody wish to plead guilty, it does become a resource issue if the crown has to step out of court and notify those 10 victims.
I take your point that the language of the statute talks about the judge accepting the plea and then inquiring about the notice—