Thank you very much, Madam Chair.
I want to start by thanking the minister for his frank acknowledgement that there is systemic racism in the Canadian justice system and for acknowledging the overrepresentation of indigenous people and racialized Canadians in it.
While the statements of the government are very positive, they're sometimes frustratingly vague. So as to not commit the same offence myself, let me ask very specifically about one measure that would make the biggest difference in the everyday situation of those people who are differentially treated in our justice system: mandatory minimums.
Can we expect any initiative from this government to reduce or eliminate mandatory minimums except for the most serious crimes, and if there's not going to be initiative from the government, will the government support the bill on mandatory minimums that's making its way through the Senate, S-208, which gives discretion back to judges to not impose them?