With regard to the Jordan decision, we've heard from military prosecutors, military defence and the chief of police of Victoria. The military says it has the capacity and the capability. The civilian system essentially says, through the chief of police of Victoria, that it has the ability but not the capability. It simply can't take on this sort of work. I would suggest to you that the Jordan decision would have an impact much more frequently in the civilian system.
I want to point out.... I can read the list of witnesses, but we've all heard them. Everybody except for one asked for choice, including the experts and the victims.
I'd like to point out something that Dr. Karen Breeck said:
First, the military of 2025 is not the military of 2015.
That's when all of these reports were done. She continued:
Many problems identified in the Deschamps and Arbour reports no longer exist. Today the chain of command has extensive awareness and training. The sexual misconduct support and resource centre is fully operational. Victims' rights legislation is in force. Independent legal and victim supports exist. The duty to report has been removed. What evidence still shows that recommendation five remains the best way forward?
I would suggest that things have changed dramatically. Right now, people are still asking for choice. Victims are still asking for choice. Frankly, I find it paternalistic to hear Minister McGuinty sit here and say it's a false choice, when it is an obvious choice. It is civilian versus military. It's not a false choice; it's a choice that the victim deserves to have and should have.
Thank you.