Let me begin by saying that I'm not sure that the section 810 peace bonds are an effective.... They're not a replacement for this. Those who work on the front lines in shelters—and LEAF is not a women's shelter in that respect—I think would tell you that the 810 peace bonds are not all that helpful and that there is a gap.
There are other Criminal Code offences that could be charged that could cover some of this conduct. I think of criminal harassment, of uttering threats. However, it's not happening. I know that criminal harassment charges are challenging to prove at the best of times and would be particularly challenging in the context of an ongoing relationship where people are living together—and uttering threats, as well. There are real challenges, again, with that.
I think it's important to think about...and I'm happy to see it on the agenda. I'm happy to see it as something being discussed, but I'm urging caution and not just rushing through and getting this done overnight. There is something powerfully symbolic about that...and I acknowledge that.
However, I would suggest that there is work being done. As you know, the Department of Women and Gender Equality is working on a national action plan to end violence against women and gender-based violence. This, to me, is something that fits well with that work...thinking about where the criminal justice system can be an effective and useful response, but also hearing from the survivors, and particularly survivors from vulnerable communities. Hear from them on whether this is what they need and whether they think this will be an effective response.
We know there are real concerns in communities across this country about the ability of police to respond to their needs, and so adding another Criminal Code offence may not be the solution. I don't think that section 810 is a valid alternative, but there may be other options that need to be explored.