Essentially, it gives the opportunity for the prosecution to determine whether to prosecute using a process whereby a lesser penalty is available if one prosecutes by way of summary conviction. If the circumstances are serious enough then the prosecutor can choose to go by way of indictment. Practically speaking, the process is more simplified when it's by way of summary conviction. It tends to be a little more complicated by way of an indictment.
On December 3rd, 2013. See this statement in context.