Thank you very much.
In three difference places found within clause 295, I'm suggesting deleting the sections that require a judge give reasons that.... They're very strangely worded sections, but the effect of proposed section 715.23, for example, is that “the court may order an accused to appear by audioconference or videoconference, if the court is of the opinion that it would be appropriate”.
The way it's worded may inadvertently create the default position that it's expected that the accused in very remote geographical situations are expected to show up in person.
The deletions that are proposed here came at the suggestion of the Canadian Bar Association to say that we ought to have more of a presumption that those who are remote have that opportunity to participate by audio conference or video conference. Right now, these proposed sections reverse the presumption of personal appearance in suggesting remote appearance should be the norm, unless the court otherwise orders and records a statement of reasons to that effect.
The view of the Canadian Bar Association is that, at worst, this contradicts the general principle found in proposed section 715.21, and at best, it is confusing.
That's why amendment Green Party-44 suggests amending the proposed section by deleting those references to providing reasons.