Thank you, Mr. Taylor, for that clarification.
I think, based on what you have said and on what the witnesses have said, that it's very clear that the scope of Bill S-4 is very important. It makes remote proceedings available in some circumstances when all parties agree to these proceedings.
Some of us have practised for some years in courtrooms, and we know that at some point, access to witnesses can be difficult. There were a number of examples cited. I think Ms. Brière brought one up as well.
I also think it's important to note that Criminal Code section 715.24 is not a new provision. It would merely re-enact a new part of the Criminal Code to clarify and consolidate the provisions on criminal proceedings.
It would also be preferable to have these existing powers located in the part on remote proceedings, because that will ensure that the court is required to take into consideration the factors set out in section 715.23. This recommendation would also undo long-standing court powers that I understand go back to 1999. In some cases, some are from the mid-2000s.
For this reason, we will not be supporting clause 46 and subsequently clause 39.