Thank you, Chair.
The amendment seeks to remove the word “only”, which means that individuals who have only a record for simple possession are the only ones who are benefiting from this process, so that even individuals who have other records can still apply.
I think this is particularly important, again, in keeping with what I think the objective of the bill is. Certainly, no one is saying that individuals shouldn't be serving their time or taking care of outstanding fines and whatnot for other offences committed, but I see no reason.... If we truly want to provide these individuals with a record suspension, and if we truly believe that certain individuals have been unfairly targeted by the previous iteration of the law, then I think it only makes sense that all Canadians, regardless of whether they have other elements on their record, should be allowed to benefit from this process.