Mr. Wilfert, I'll get right to the point. The answer is yes, and I can be very brief. Decriminalize the summary trial system. End of discussion. Remove today the custodial power of the commanding officer to send somebody to detention. If that needs to be done, then that person ought to be tried by court martial where all the rights are provided. So you remove that in the same way as Ireland has done it, as Australia has done it; you decriminalize it. There's no record.
By doing so, you solve almost instantly the problems of legal representation. I wouldn't be here arguing that you need legal counsel at the trial, that there are rules of procedure that are not applied, that there is a conflict with the commanding officer presiding over the trial. It would be like what you see in the RCMP, in the public service, in the workplace. The individual would not have that stigma attached to him just because he didn't shave that morning or he showed up late. Whether he gets a fine or a suspension of leave or he has to stay on the ship when alongside, I can live with that, and that would apply in Canada and abroad. And if there really is a requirement to prosecute someone because of the severity of the offence, then a court martial, and a court martial can be held any place in the world.