I understand exactly what my colleague wants to do, but I will explain why I'll be voting against this amendment.
This is the heart of the bill, and that is the problem for our friends across the way. It's one thing to put a bill into practice or on paper, but the reality will be different.
I agree, and it is clear that the provinces will find that the cost will have an impact on the administration of justice. At least two ministers have said that, and I would certainly have liked to hear many more say the same thing. However, victims also told us that it was time to help them. If there is a cost attached, I would say to the government:
put your money where your mouth is.
This must be put into practice. Budgets will have to be allocated for this.
I don't want to start off by being defeatist, but my colleague will note that, under our other proposed amendments, changing the implementation of this bill will certainly be grist for the mill, meaning that a lot more money will be needed for the justice system.
I'm afraid the unreasonable financial burden on the criminal justice system will be a way out for the provinces. It will mean that they will be able to withdraw from applying the bill. We want this to work. They will put pressure on the federal government, which wants to implement this kind of system. Good for them, but the government will have to allocate money for this to work. Still, I don't want to defeat this straight away.