As police chiefs in Quebec and Canada, our view is that section 810 of the Criminal Code is often used with events that aren't defined as an assault or an offence under the Criminal Code. We think that going back to a coercive control law is going to solve a large part of the problem and clarify unacceptable behaviour. The federal government would be sending a clear message that would help us out.
It's important to get back to coercive control. That won't strengthen section 810, but replace it, in a sense. Instead of not having a criminal offence, we'll be able to act on the basis of a criminal offence.