Thanks, Mr. Chair.
This addresses the issue of allowing agents to appear in summary conviction proceedings where the maximum term of imprisonment is greater than six months, in a case where the agent is authorized under a program under the lieutenant governor in council of the province, or the accused is a corporation.
In the first place, this amendment would give provinces and territories the power to establish criteria governing agent appearances—law students, articling students, paralegals—in addition to their current power to approve programs.
Second, it would allow any person to appear for adjournments on any summary conviction.
I believe this addresses the issue we had with those members of the legal system not being able to participate, so I'm putting forward this amendment.