Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for a very good, clear and articulate description of the problems that I think all members on the opposition benches have with Bill C-10.
I would have liked to have been able to pose this to a government member but I have not had an opportunity in this round. I am baffled by the fact that virtually every criminologist and expert who has looked at the issue of minimum mandatory sentences has concluded that they do not work. In fact, a recent article in the Criminology & Public Policy begins with this sentence:
Mandatory minimums are a classic instance of criminology and public policy marching in different directions.
Every member of this House wants to end crime and every member wants to protect victims.
I would like to ask the member if he has been able to find any expert evidence that would support the government's approach.