Mr. Speaker, Motion No. 12 would allow an individual who is charged with a criminal offence or who subsequent to that charge has been convicted of an indictable offence to voluntarily provide a substance of DNA for analysis and entry into the DNA databank.
What this essentially enables an individual to do is give exculpatory evidence. Once again it demonstrates that this type of technology is not only to be used by the state but can be used by an individual and it would entrench this in the bill by allowing them to voluntarily give their DNA for use in the trial.
I suppose it could be argued that this would exist in any event if an individual wanted to do so and have the sample taken. Perhaps the funding is going to be a question that will inevitably be asked but this would include in the bill an individual's right to have their DNA considered by the state in the prosecution of a criminal offence. We are talking about designated offences.
The drafters of this bill in their wisdom have designated certain serious offences where DNA substances are very prone and very apt to be left.
I suggest this is a useful amendment. It is one that in the past would have been useful. The names Milgaard, Morin and Marshall come to mind with respect to how DNA did and could be used as exculpatory evidence.
It again shows the scope of the use of this type of technology in our criminal justice system and it is a positive suggestion and one which the government and hopefully all members of this House will support.
DNA is going to be used more and more in our justice system. It is inevitable. It is technology. It is going to serve a very useful purpose for those in law enforcement and for those involved in the justice system generally.
I hope all members would embrace this useful motion and would be supportive in their remarks and in the vote which will inevitably take place in the near future.