I understand your concerns. However, with all due respect, I don't think this angle is the best way to address the issue.
When I say the justice system should be trusted, I believe it. The interveners are aware of what they'll need to do in the future. When the judges' discretion was removed in 2013, all these issues and figures were presented to all the committees and during parliamentary debates. I listened to many of the debates, but we can make these figures say what we want them to say.
Of course, maybe some people should have paid a surcharge, but the surcharge was waived. Moreover, when a person pays the surcharge, it's questionable whether the entire amount actually goes to the criminal injuries compensation fund. I doubt it.
However, I don't think that's the right question to ask. Instead, the issue is whether the judges will know that they need to ask questions. I believe so, and I also believe that the judges will fulfill their obligations. In response to the statements made by the two lawyers who presented their arguments earlier, I would add that a court will find it quite simple to go through all the questions regarding a person's income. When people receive social assistance benefits, regardless of the province, they normally have nothing left after deducting the cost of rent and food.
I think that the judges will ask more of these types of questions to better inform their decisions. We must trust the justice system rather than force courts to impose victim surcharges.