Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the question. I think there are compelling arguments to be made on both sides of the issue. That is why the bill needs to be sent to committee where we can hear from constitutional experts and from organizations trying to help the victims and from the families of victims who must get through these difficult incidents of sexual assault. Therefore I would really like to see that happen.
In addition to the question of retroactivity, we also must in the spirit of balance look at the question of ensuring that there are provisions for being taken off the registry if the person has been pardoned or if there has been a complete rehabilitation process undergone by the offender.
We have to be really careful on both sides. We have to ensure that we are upholding the Charter as well as looking for the utmost ways in which to protect the victims of sexual offences.
My colleague, the critic for justice for our caucus, has indicated in the debates earlier that he will be proposing an amendment to ensure an automatic review of the registry list, which I think is important. He will be recommending that we deal with provisions to ensure that the burden of removal from the database is placed on the people granting the pardon whereas currently a pardoned sex offender could have his or her criminal record cleared but would not be on the automatic review of requirements to register the database.
There are a number of suggestions that have been made by our caucus critic. Others are on the table from provincial ministers of justice. We need to review this at the committee and come up with the best possible legislation.