Thank you, Honourable Chair, and yes, I will move amendment NDP-1.
The purpose of this amendment is to add public spaces to areas where hate crimes can occur. I think it's important, based on the testimony we've heard on this bill, that we don't allow the definition of property in Bill C-305. We don't want it to be too specific, because I think it could cut off areas where some of these hate crimes can occur. I was thinking along the lines of the testimony indicating areas that are not specifically mentioned in Bill C-305, but where some of our witnesses have associated with an identifiable group.
I think with this kind of amendment, we could be covering areas like certain streets. We hear testimony that some areas in cities like Toronto and Vancouver are associated with an identifiable group. They have traditionally been places of refuge where friendly businesses and allies have been, and so have been well-known areas to members of the community. I think there are a lot of examples. Every city across Canada has a street or an area not currently covered in Bill C-305 but is connected with an identifiable group.
The Criminal Code refers to “public place” in subsection 197(1), I think, and that's why we're using that wording.
With that, Mr. Chair, I move my amendment for discussion.