Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Even though Mr. Patterson indicated that the Legislative Assembly has the right to expel, suspend or discipline a Member, it's my understanding that -- and maybe we should get clarification-- if a Member is charged and has violated the Criminal Code with an offence involving sexual exploitation of children or any
type of violence against a person --threatened or attempted -- then the Member is no longer a Member.
The intent of my motion to amend the bill doesn't give the right to Members of the Assembly to discipline, suspend or expel. It asks the next Legislative Assembly to expand it to allow for other offences such as impaired driving, offences involving narcotics, illegal gambling or other violations. It doesn't give the responsibility to the Assembly. There will be a clear understanding that if someone violates the Criminal Code, then they can no longer sit as a Member. It should not be up to the Members of the Legislative Assembly to have to expel, discipline or suspend a Member. The next Legislative Assembly should come in with a clear understanding of what the rules and guidelines are. If they want to strengthen those rules and guidelines, this motion will give the next Legislative Assembly the option to do so.
I believe, as I stated, that Bill 32 addresses part of the Criminal Code offences, but not all of them. The intent of the motion is to ask the next Legislative Assembly to consider expanding it to include other Criminal Code offences made by a Member. Thank you.