I think that's what distinguishes our system of justice from that of the Americans. You've identified what I have always believed: We have a paltry remuneration system here in Canada, but the system in the United States, with the few pennies they receive, still pales in comparison. It's no wonder that the moment there's a verdict, they're looking for the press; they're looking for a publicist; they want to talk about the evidence; they want to make some money off of it. There are professional people who want to be on juries. In my view, that doesn't make for an effective justice system. I come from a 30-year career as a lawyer, the last 18 of which were as a Crown prosecutor, and I think that's what makes the Canadian judicial system so special: It starts literally the moment the judge gives instructions. I could see in their faces how serious and how solemn this oath is.
I can only sympathize, and I was really touched, Mr. Farrant, when I read a bit more about your story. I just did a Google search and read about the case you were involved in, the struggles you went through and clearly the help that you received professionally at CAMH. Now, the strong advocacy you're doing is just tremendous work. It's so important that we as parliamentarians use whatever tools we have in our tool box to offer that assistance. This is certainly a step in the right direction.
This is for both gentlemen. Four years ago, was there any sort of discussion about advocacy or learning opportunities for the judiciary, the lawyers, the Crowns and the defence counsel, or ways they could assist juries in the process as well?