Mr. Rathgeber, I think you're exactly right. I think the general impression of Canadians, of our existing pardon system, was one of shock that the National Parole Board, under the legislation it applied, simply rubber-stamped applications.
This is not to take anything away from the National Parole Board. We provide them with the legislation. They followed the legislation.
In 2006, when our colleague Minister Day looked at the issue, it was suggested that these changes could be made through administrative measures. It's clear from the experience between 2006 and 2009-10 that administrative provisions were not enough in order to accomplish the policy goals that we wished to accomplish.
So to move it away from a rubber stamp or simply an administrative system to what is now, I believe, quasi-judicial in terms of the decision-making process is very important. I think that will go a long way in convincing Canadians that there is a purpose for the pardon system, that the parole board puts thought into its decisions, and where a pardon would bring the administration of justice into disrepute, the board will in fact deny a pardon.