Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Mr. Blaney, like all my colleagues, I thank you for your work on this. Everyone shares the opinion that impaired driving has negative consequences. You are certainly very busy at the moment with other issues. So thank you for taking the time to look into this. It shows that you consider it very important.
I want to go back to minimum sentences, which is a very important issue. We could certainly debate it because we don't necessarily share the same opinion. I have read many studies that question the effectiveness of these measures.
Some say that the proposed measures could have an effect that isn't in line with your intentions. By removing the discretionary power of a judge, we could ensure that some people who drive while impaired and who are involved in accidents causing death would not even go to prison. Indeed the judge could find the minimum sentence too harsh in a particular case.
Aren't you afraid that by removing the power of judges to make their own decision, there is a risk of having an effect that goes against your intention and the intent of your bill?