Mr. Speaker, I wish to inform the hon. member that the Minister of Justice is continuing to address the concerns of those who have criticized the s.690 process by improving its procedures.
Several steps have been taken to this effect. The minister's decision in the application regarding Colin Thatcher was published to make the public aware of how the process works and what principles apply to govern the use of the s.690 powers.
The department has also published a fact sheet that describes the criteria for applying, who can apply, how and where to apply and what information applicants need to complete their applications.
The published information also describes how applications are assessed. This information shows that a great deal of work goes into the assessment of an s.690 application. To do a conscientious and thorough job takes time. Sometimes applicants submit additional grounds to be considered for their s.690 review. When such submissions are received months or even years after the initial application this extends the amount of time needed to investigate and assess cases.
I can assure the hon. member work is currently under way to reduce the inventory of applications and to process applications more swiftly.
Those who say that the process is not independent ignore the fact that the vast majority of s.690 applicants were prosecuted by provincial attorneys general. Thus, there are very few instances in which the Attorney General of Canada must consider a case that was prosecuted by his agent. When that happens from outside the department counsel are retained to assess the application and advise the minister.
It is the duty of those who assess the applications to examine them conscientiously and thoroughly as it is the minister's duty imposed upon him by Parliament to review the applications and make the necessary decisions.