Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I know the Minister and officials know some of the comments that I made in the review process about this legislation. I wanted other Members and the government to hear the concerns I have so they can understand where I am coming from. I think I have had some concern about the amount of power and responsibility that is being placed in the hands of the director without clear indications that investigative measures or procedures are to take place prior to the suspension of a licence of an operator.
I agree and wholeheartedly support the initiative to protect the well-being and the health of children, but I also have to caution the Minister and the officials about this idea of allegations, because we have used the word quite loosely over the past couple of days. The definition is "unproved opinions" or "unproved arguments.' What causes me concern is, I do not want the issue of simple allegations regarding an operator to be the basis on which you suspend a licence. I think there has to be a little more substantial argument that is placed in the hands of the Minister or the director to ensure there is some legal basis that they can stand on in any civil action,
I know my colleagues on the standing committee are aware of the concern that I have about this matter. I also realize the concerns of the Minister and the director in trying to respond and act quickly in cases that are necessary. But I also wanted to say that in our effort to act quickly and responsibly to concerns raised by the public about an operation of a daycare, we may cause great harm to the character of men and women and facilities that may never be recoverable in the end. I am hoping that the Minister and his officials and the government are aware of the concerns that I have and appropriately apply the legislation, that you are going to receive approval on, with great care and with great vigilance in terms of the investigations that take place. I do not necessarily mean detailed investigations so that everything is provable. But I think that you must be vigilant about the actual circumstances that exist and the concerns that are being expressed and you can verity those concerns. Otherwise, I think we run the danger of really defaming the character of people and day-care facilities. I wanted the Minister and Members here to understand the reasons I raise those arguments.
I want to say, as well, that I think the chairman of the standing committee on legislation clearly articulated the issues, and the motion that was introduced and passed by this committee requests that a comprehensive review be done of the present legislation, and I support that. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.