Nor would I offer any commentary on the capacity of members opposite, but one prefers to resolve ambiguities prior to rather than subsequent to an issue. It seems to me that if I have misinterpreted—quote, unquote—the drafting as is, the crown in fact leaves itself open to a position that it commenced prosecution on month 13 after the offence, rather than within 12 months of the offence. I suppose as a defence counsel one should just sort of sit in the weeds and wait for that.
As to the French/English, again, if the French is very clear and it means what you say it means, then presumably it would be helpful if the English were as clear as the French.
I'll leave my observations at that. I read it, then I reread it, and I thought, “This is the government's position.” Essentially it's an 18-month window. Mr. Harris' amendment is essentially a 12-month window. But you tell me that yours is a 12-month window as well. It seems to me that if the crown has an opportunity to clarify ambiguity at the point of drafting, it would be a good time to do it; otherwise, you'll leave yourself a bit exposed.