Mr. Speaker, in fact, it is interesting to speak on this bill. Perhaps our interest is due to the fact that we can make constructive contributions to improving significant legislation such as the Criminal Code and correcting past problems, so such enthusiasm is understandable.
With regard in particular to the issue concerning other employers, Quebec's practice has developed from legislation on occupational health and safety. At first, employers reacted quite strongly. But with time and given that a parity committee has been made responsible for overseeing this issue, it was realized that, often, the best way to discipline an industry was to ensure adequate management and, with regard to non-criminal workplace accidents, to rectify problems and make it an ultimately positive experience for companies.
Often, the same industry is also responsible for internal discipline, such as disciplining members who do not respect practices as much as they should. Penalties in particular, or dues paid by the employers, are representative of the entire industry. This has helped the industry to mature.
I think it is the same for the Criminal Code. I am sure that the entire mining industry has no desire to see more accidents like the one at the Westray mine. That is very bad for the employers' corporate image. Even if it were only an issue of corporate vision, employers would certainly have an interest in not allowing such situations to occur.
We shall see what they have to say to the committee, but I think they ought to applaud the proposal in front of us, which is the result of many past efforts. If ever there are more points to be considered, amendments can be proposed in committee.
To me, it seems very relevant that both employers and employees have an interest in this matter. When the bill has become law and turns into a fact of life, with cases being argued, then we will see if we have really settled the issue. Practically, if there are fewer accidents and crisis situations, an important part of the problem will have already been solved, because we will have contributed to ensuring that the people are disciplined and act responsibly. In that sense, we will have acted as good lawmakers.