I hear members across the way objecting to that, and I do not understand why.
Many people voluntarily provide their fingerprints for a variety of reasons to a fingerprint databank. I have absolutely no problem with making the job of law enforcement easier. I have absolutely no problem with the notion that people charged with a serious crime be compelled to provide a DNA profile or a DNA sample.
What I have a problem with is a justice system which mollycoddles those who commit serious crimes and those accused of committing serious crimes and which does not extract proper compensation or proper retribution for the transgressions.
As a parliamentarian, as a person who is going to be required to vote on the motion, I have absolutely no problem. I believe very strongly that the motion as it is written is a vast improvement to the bill.
We as parliamentarians have an obligation to Canadians to provide a justice system that works and that provides the safeguards Canadians expect, especially when it comes to their individual rights. Therefore I believe the motion as written addresses both those concerns, particularly if the justice system and the courts in the future will interpret the motion and will apply the motion as it is written. It will be a big step forward in terms of how our justice system in Canada is applied and does work.
I reiterate my support for the motion. It is time that we have a justice system in the country that works. It is time that we have means of identifying criminals and those who are accused of serious crimes. It is time that Canadians feel their justice system is working for them and not for the criminal element in society. It is time that we as a nation recognize our obligations primarily to our fellow citizens to provide for their safety and for their well-being.
For all of those reason I will be supporting the motion and will be encouraging all my colleagues in the House to do so as well.