Thank you, Madam Chair.
I would just note that the charter issues or considerations that are raised by the bill are outlined in the charter statement that is available on the department's website.
We do know, based on what the minister has said and even on what some witnesses have said before your committee, that the bill does attempt to strike a balance between the equality and dignity of LGBTQ people on the one hand, and the rights and freedoms of individuals who may choose to receive or provide conversion therapy on the other.
We have to remember that a court's analysis is going to be very much shaped by its interpretation of these provisions. I can't stress enough how important it is that criminal legislation be read narrowly—that is a fundamental principle of statutory interpretation—and with respect to its overall objectives. The overall objective that this bill is trying to achieve is to stop certain types of interventions that we know cause harm—we have evidence of it—and those interventions are designed to change who a person is, their identity, to match societal norms. I anticipate that the legislation's provisions will be interpreted according to those rules.
The fine balance that the legislation seeks to achieve, I would also note, is not just in the actual definition but also in the nature of the offences themselves. I know you're going to turn to that shortly, and I'm sure you'll have a good discussion on the scope of those offences.
Thank you.