You're welcome.
The next question can be answered by anyone on the panel.
I'd like to make an observation that it's probably no small wonder that we have a crisis in the nursing profession in light of everything you shared with us in terms of the historical nature of the profession and the abuse that the profession receives. This is nursing, and this is also first-line responders as well.
I understand that under-reporting is commonplace in the nursing industry and in the paramedic and first responders field. I am married to a nurse. You represent my wife. For the last 20 years, I have heard example after example of how she has been personally tormented, that the administration is not doing anything about it, that there is a lack of security within the hospital setting itself and that the security is not acting as a deterrent.
The question I am bringing to your attention right now is on the whole issue of public knowledge, information sharing and making sure that the police understand they have tools available to them to charge.
The concern I have is on deterrence. One of the central features of sentencing on any particular case, from shoplifting all the way to murder, is that there is an element of deterrence—personal, specific deterrence to the offender to learn that there are consequences for their behaviour, and general deterrence to the community to learn that if one engages in similar behaviour, there are going to be consequences.
I am hearing from all of you that is the message you want to share.
We know that for many, many decades, there have been numerous cases of offences in the Criminal Code that have had aggravating features attached to them. When you have committed an offence against a certain individual in certain circumstances, it is an aggravating feature in sentencing.
In light of that, do you have any evidence to suggest that the Criminal Code will have some impact on the community at large, and on your profession, by making this an aggravating feature when you assault a health care worker or a first responder?
That is to anyone on the panel, please.