Mr. Speaker, I commend the member for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast on his speech and the points he brought forward. I want him to comment on what I believe is a fundamental right. I would like his views.
Justice Shaw could have used section 1 of the charter to limit the rights of freedom of expression. He could have ruled that the rights of children not to be exploited sexually are far more important than the rights of pedophiles to view disgusting, disgraceful and obscene material. However he chose not to. That was his tool. Our only tool is section 33, the notwithstanding clause. I believe silence is consent. If we do not invoke section 33 we will be reinforcing his decision. It is the only tool we have to actively voice our objection to this ruling.
I would like the member's comments about the use of section 33. If we do not, we will be abrogating our responsibility by not acting or by silence. Silence is consent; we would be in fact approving it. I would like the member's comments with respect to that.