Mr. Speaker, I met last June in my office with Marie King Forest, the widow of Constable King. I had an opportunity to discuss with her firsthand the effect that the application has had on her and her family.
More than anything else, it was my perception that her exclusion from the process was enormously hurtful. That in large part motivated the change in section 745 which I brought before the House in Bill C-41, which guarantees the role for the victim in the section 745 hearing. This change was brought about largely due to my meeting with Marie King Forest.
I do not believe the issue is so simple that it can be dealt with solely by the repeal of section 745. I have made every effort to encourage the hon. member, the House and the committee to see that question in the broader context of penalties for the crime of murder.
As the committee examines that broader question, I shall have something to say by way of what I hope are constructive suggestions as to how it might improve the regime for murder penalties in Canada. This will include the question of the application provided for in section 745.