Thank you, Mr. Chair.
The proposed amendment, we feel, would be problematic. Essentially, how does one prove knowledge of what another person intends? It would be very difficult, if not impossible, to prove. However, proving that someone knows that another is likely to do something can be based not only on what the other person says but on other objective evidence as well, including the comments of others about what the person is likely to do. Proof can be derived, therefore, from a broad range of sources.
Moreover, the harbouring and concealing offence addresses a situation in which the harbouring or concealing is done not for the purpose of enabling a person to escape, but for the purpose of enabling the person to facilitate or carry out any terrorist activity.
We feel this proposed amendment would have the effect of further narrowing the ambit of the offence, which already has a very narrow and precise focus. The further narrowing is not warranted, given the purpose element of the offence. Therefore, we will not be supporting it.