Mr. Speaker, indeed, I think this bill can be improved. It is not unlike a stairway where we have several steps to climb. We have climbed a few already. We have reached a level where we can see what still needs to be done to improve the situation.
I would be interested in listening to witnesses and hearing their examples. If the issue is well defined, we could possibly see what amendments are likely to stem from this.
I already mentioned in my speech that currently, for crimes with intent, an organization can be held liable for acts committed by its senior executive if the latter participated in an offence or incited other employees to commit an offence, or a senior executive, knowing that an offence was about to be committed by employees, had done nothing to prevent it.
The fact remains that perhaps more thought could be given to the matter, to ensure that there is no way to avoid liability if all these conditions are not met.
The examination in committee ought to enable us to cover all potential situations. The objective of the bill is to ensure that an organization cannot avoid prosecution if it has in fact committed a reprehensible act. We certainly do not wish to draft a bill that would omit any important aspect of assigning responsibility to the organization.
If there are any amendments that need to be proposed and are worth keeping, then the Bloc Quebecois will certainly be prepared to support them. We will need to see exactly what amendments are in order.
I have a great deal of confidence in those who will be appearing as witnesses, whether representing labour or management. There may also be expert witnesses, people with meaningful experience and backgrounds, especially in the area of occupational health and safety. All of their contributions will be useful.
There may also be laws in place in countries where social legislation is further advanced than Canada's. We are well aware that, as far as occupational health and safety is concerned, and labour law as well, we still have a lot to learn from other countries. The Nordic countries, for instance, have passed some very advanced legislation.
Once all these possible proposals have been forthcoming from the various witnesses who come before the committee to share their views, if there is any amendment worth retaining, the Bloc Quebecois will certainly be there to ensure that the bill is the best it can be.