Mr. Speaker, several years ago I was charged with spousal assault in which the circumstances were that I did not commit any physical harm or any bodily injury, but I did push my wife, and for that I was charged with assault. In the section under the Criminal Code on assault, the definition of assault varies from touching a person, brushing a person, to striking a person. The situation, Mr. Speaker, was that I did plead guilty to that. I did touch my wife.

But a situation this morning which I was quite disturbed to hear was when an individual that is a leader in his community and in his area was also convicted of touching a girl, I believe, and for that he did get charged, was found guilty, but had an absolute discharge. I think the difference between those two cases, Mr. Speaker, is that when I touch my wife I touch her in the right place and not in the wrong place. I do not see the situation to be any different in this case. It happened about eight years ago, but it was not cause at that time, nor should it be the cause today. Leaders are expected to get away with doing things with the knowledge of the public. The judge says this person is guilty but he could go free. I do not believe in this kind of justice system, and I think we should get this point across to the public. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause