Thank you, Mr. Chair.
As I said earlier, Bill C‑295 seems to us to be a good bill. However, we would like it to take into consideration the fact that, in certain provinces and in Quebec, specific provisions were adopted to respond to the various problematic situations encountered during the pandemic. We know it wasn't easy, and it was the situation we experienced in long-term care facilities during this pandemic that brought us this bill.
So, since provisions have already been adopted in Quebec and, possibly, in other provinces, we think it would be appropriate for the court that will eventually have to consider offences to take into account the sanctions and measures that have already been imposed under provincial laws, whether those of Quebec or another province, on individuals who are accused in connection with the same events.
This would not nullify anything. It would simply mean that the judge would have to take it into account when sentencing. In Quebec, fines are provided for, among other things. So if a prison sentence were requested, for example, the fine might not be ordered, since a fine has already been paid, or the prison could be replaced by the fine. The judge will be able to decide what seems appropriate and judicious in the circumstances, but we ask that he take into account sanctions that are imposed under another law.