Thank you very much, Mr. Dechert.
I must say, having been a participant either through the practice of law or through parliamentary work, and a long-time observer of our justice system, I think one of the single greatest accomplishments we have seen in recent years is these child advocacy centres, in their approach and in the incredible, compassionate work they do at the earliest stage when the harm has been committed, when it is fresh, if you will. You mentioned several of these centres in Ontario, and I have visited these centres now in just about every province and territory. We have 21 up and operational, with plans to bring about more.
The magic of these child advocacy centres is that they bring together the various agencies and individuals all working to support children, including the police, the courts, victim services, and child psychologists and psychiatrists: those who are tasked daily with helping to support young people deal with the trauma that inevitably flows from sexual interference and sexual assault on children, as well as helping their parents and dealing with the broader community impacts as well.
I mention that just to keep in mind what you said about taking a holistic approach to the harms that come from child sexual assaults. And the number is on the rise. There's simply no getting away from that. I know this committee is seized of this issue. I would be very quick to point out the non-partisan nature of this bill, and I think that will become apparent as you look further into the details. Yes, I fully expect, as I know Minister Blaney does, that you will give this a rigorous examination.
There are other things we can do as well. I had the opportunity to be in Madam Boivin's province just last week, in both Montreal and Quebec City, to see some of the programs that the Department of Justice also sponsors for young offenders who may, among other things, be involved in sexual violence and may be passing it on through a phenomenon that we have often seen, turning from victims into victimizers. These programs are aimed at young people who are in the system, so to speak, and who may benefit greatly from counselling, from programs, and from early intervention that will give them alternatives as they try to cope with the difficulties they have experienced. That is an add-on intention of this bill.
Mr. Chair, I have information about the child advocacy centres that I would like to leave with your committee at the conclusion of our testimony.