Madam Speaker, the member is probably right that this bill will be passed. However it will be passed today not because someone has dictated from on high but because Liberals want to see a DNA bank in this country to improve the enforcement of the laws against criminals who perform acts that are contrary to all decency and humanity.
The Reformers obviously do not want to see that type of a system because they have made it clear they intend to vote against the bill.
I would like the hon. member to make a comment. I too have discussed with the Canadian Police Association that it would like the legislation to allow samples of blood to be taken before someone is convicted. I have a big concern with this and would like the member to comment on it.
What do we tell Canadians 10 years down the road if this legislation, with that provision in it which is constitutionally risky, is challenged and defeated in the Supreme Court of Canada? The result would be that 10 years of convictions of possible murderers and sexual assaulters would be overturned. There would be nothing we could do to go back and recoup those convictions which had been based on what the courts in ten years might decide was tainted evidence.
I want a DNA bank so we can deal with those horrendous crimes. I am not prepared to risk 10 years of convictions. And I am not prepared to vote against the bill because it does not have a provision in it that would do that.
I wonder if the hon. member would comment on that.