If you mean to suggest with that example that abuses are possible with summary proceedings, my answer would be that abuses were much more likely to occur before than they are now. One of the reasons is that, over the years, the Judge-Advocate General's office has increased the number of available officers on military bases. For example, when I was in Valcartier, I was in charge of the Valcartier reserve and the Bagotville reserve, whereas today, you have two, three, and sometimes four officers assigned to Valcartier. Another handles the reserve and yet another does Bagotville. The number has changed, and so has the ability to access counsel.
You, yourself, had a certain experience, and that's a good thing because it helps you understand. I'll give you an example.
When I was in Cyprus, I was reviewing a proceeding—actually, the judge advocate eventually intervened. A deputy commander's driver had run a red light. The deputy commander was sitting beside the driver when it happened. He was charged by his chief warrant officer. The deputy commander ended up being both judge and judged in the case. There was no malice in the situation. It just happened. Everyone thought that because he had run the red light, he would plead guilty.
Naturally—and this goes back to what we were saying before—when an individual tells their commander or deputy commander that they do not trust their judgment, that individual is court martialled. When they rejoin their unit, things are always a bit challenging. That's the feeling you get when you talk to people on the toll-free telephone line.
As for improvements, there again, I am inclined to refer you to Mr. Drapeau's detailed comments on the matter. It's not possible now, but a commander's decision could be subject to a review. I know it's harder, but it can be done. It's done in the case of the chain of command and it could be done in other situations, for example, with a court martial. However, it would require closer monitoring, which would likely involve recording the proceedings, among other things.