Madam Speaker, I listened very carefully to what the hon. member had to say and I note that he at least admits that we do things differently in Quebec and even that it is a model the government should follow, and that Quebec is a leader in this field.
Does the member know that no one in Quebec wants the amendments the minister is proposing? Does he know that the people in the Crown attorney's office, those who initiate proceedings under the law, do not want the minister's bill?
Defence counsel in Quebec, those who defend young people, do not want it either. According to some retired judges, if the law passed by this parliament is applied, this law will be disastrous for the 16 year investment, in Quebec, in an approach, a very Quebec model.
I provided a list earlier of all those who are opposed, and I think that anyone involved to whatever extent in applying the Young Offenders Act would repeat it before a parliamentary committee. Not one organization, lawyer or person working daily with the Young Offenders Act in Quebec today supports the minister's bill, or this amendment. Is the hon. member aware of that?
Should the government not budge, not do anything, the Bloc Quebecois will try to introduce an amendment to have Quebec exempted from the application of Bill C-3 so it may continue to apply the Young Offenders Act as it stands.
Can I count on the support of the Conservative Party, since it recognizes that we apply the law in Quebec and are leaders in the area? Can I count on the support of the Conservative Party in the ultimate attempt to exempt Quebec from this law, which will be devastating for all young offenders and society as a whole?