Thank you, Chair.
I appreciate that we had some discussions, before you hit the gavel, about some housekeeping matters, and I appreciate the position you took. I think this is something that probably should be dealt with right off the hop. I don't think it's going to be very complicated or very lengthy, but I tabled a motion last Friday. I believe it's in both official languages. Every member of committee has that motion.
I'd like to move that motion at this time and read it into the record. I move:
That the committee continue its study entitled “Bail System, Sentencing and the Handling of Repeat Violent Offenders in Canada” concurrently with a review of Bill C-9, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (hate propaganda, hate crime and access to religious or cultural places), provided that one meeting on each study be held weekly, and regarding its consideration of Bill C-9, the committee:
a) dedicate at least 10 meetings to receive witness testimony;
b) invite Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, for no less than one hour, and;
c) invite departmental officials, and other witnesses deemed relevant for the purposes of this study.
Echoing my comments from last Thursday, I believe that both Bill C-9 and our particular study that we've agreed to—and we've heard several witnesses over the course of several days—are equally important. I believe that we can accomplish both studies at the same time. There is a pressing and ongoing need to have this discussion regarding sentencing and bail reform. It would be our preference, at least on the Conservative team, to continue doing that on a week-to-week basis.
Thank you, Chair.