Mr. Speaker, I welcome the opportunity to add my voice in support of Bill C-23.
As the Minister of Justice has already explained, there are powerful reasons to endorse the bill. Of all the arguments, I believe none is more compelling than the fact that ensuring equal treatment under the law should be a basic standard of a fair and just society.
Canadians have an unwavering faith in the values enshrined in our charter of rights and freedoms. We believe heart and soul that there should be no discrepancy between our words and our deeds. We are determined that our constitutionally guaranteed rights should be a daily fact of life for every woman and man in Canada. Equality before the law is the very foundation of our nation.