Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise to speak to the amendment put forward by my hon. friend from West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast. I am pleased as well, Mr. Speaker, to see you back in the chair.
Bill C-3 is obviously one of great importance to not only police officers and the judicial system but to all Canadians. Unfortunately, however, the government's reluctance to accept substantial amendments to Bill C-3 will seriously undermine this law's effectiveness. An unfortunate opportunity is being missed here.
I reiterate my thanks and appreciation for the many individuals and organizations that testified before the justice committee on this legislation. The committee stage reviews were truly an exhibition of the legislative process at its best in that a huge diverse range of opinions and suggestions was brought forward by those who testified at committee.
Although the member's amendment and the amendments by other members to this legislation were not accepted, the process has continued along. It did not get mired down in partisan politics. Yet we find ourselves at the brink of this legislation coming into being, I would suggest, in a very flawed and unfortunately damaged fashion.
I do not intend to review the entire substance of the legislation as many of my colleagues and I have spoken to the bill on previous readings. I intend, however, to highlight the sad and unfortunate situation in which members of the opposition find themselves.