Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to rise again to address the motion in Group No. 3. My friends across the way were hoping I was finished but sadly for them and for me too, I guess, we are not finished yet.
I will touch on two issues and just remind members why we are supporting the motion by the NDP member. The reasons are twofold. We are concerned about the privacy aspect. As I pointed out before question period, there are concerns among the public in an age when technology has become so prevalent that if the government through the DNA databank were to receive a piece of information, a DNA sample, somehow it will become public and could be used in other ways the public would be very concerned about.
That is a very legitimate concern. Many Canadians are concerned that the government already has too much information about them. If we are to ensure that this very useful tool is given to police for use in stopping legitimate criminals, we must ensure the public's concerns are allayed. The best way to do that in this case, other than using due diligence when this DNA databank is set up, is to put in place very stiff penalties so that if people misuse the information they will face very severe consequences.
That is why we are very pleased to support the Group No. 3 motion that would place a maximum five year penalty on anybody who misuses the data. We are supportive of it. I believe the original legislation has a two year penalty.
When I read through the bill from cover to cover, as I often do before I turn in for the evening, that aspect concerned me. I was happy to see this amendment come forward. Reformers will stand in support of the motion.
We believe the DNA databank is a good idea. We want it. We think it is important for the police to have it, but we need to ensure legitimate concerns are dealt with. We think this is one way we could deal with this concern and therefore will support this motion.