Justice committee  I understand now. This crime is titled “Neglect to obtain assistance in childbirth”. Of course, we all want to protect our newborns. I would encourage members to keep this as an indictable offence only.

Justice committee  This amendment involves the administering of a noxious thing—

Justice committee  It is, just ask Socrates It's causing a person to take poison.

Justice committee  No, he did not. I mean, he drank it. He was in the jail alone, but after a very long and boring speech, he did in fact administer it himself.

Justice committee  Are you referring to postpartum depression? Is that what you're saying?

Justice committee  I had another point, which I guess is trite, in the circumstances. Obviously, the Crown has to establish mens rea, as well as the actus reus. If there's no mens rea because of the state of mind of the individual, that would also play into this issue.

Justice committee  Yes. Okay. I hear you.

Justice committee  This is a provision pertaining to the offence of causing bodily harm by criminal negligence. I think we heard a number of deponents and witnesses who were concerned about this, if it's the clause that I'm thinking of. Regardless, it's our position that this should remain a solely indictable offence.

Justice committee  Either way, I'm indignant, Mr. Chair.

Justice committee  I have self-righteous anger about it.

Justice committee  Show business for ugly people, that's my definition of politics.

Justice committee  That's right.

Justice committee  Mr. Chair, I think this motion speaks for itself. It deals with punishment for infanticide. I can't imagine any case on God's green earth where we would want to have a punishment that could go by way of summary rather than indictable offence, and I would encourage my colleagues from all sides to support my amendment, which would make it continue as solely an indictable offence.

Justice committee  I have a question for the mover, Mr. Boissonnault. Is the issue how this section was historically used or is it the nature of the section itself?

Justice committee  My specific concern is gaps in the code. I will ask those at the table whether or not they affirm what Mr. Boissonnault is saying.