Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m pleased to be here today to speak about Bill 15, the Gunshot and Stab Wound Mandatory Disclosure Act. I’d like to thank the Standing Committee on Social Programs for its review of this bill. This legislation will require health facilities to report instances where injured persons present themselves for treatment of gunshot wounds and stab wounds. It will also protect those involved in reporting from liability. Please note that this requirement does not relate to stab wounds that are believed to be either self-inflicted or accidentally inflicted. All gunshot wounds will require reporting. The purpose will be to assist RCMP to provide a prompt response to violence incidences, as well as to address firearms safety issues.
Currently, eight Canadian jurisdictions have enacted legislation of this nature. Five jurisdictions have enacted legislation for the reporting of both gunshot and stab wounds, while three jurisdictions have enacted legislation for gunshot wounds only.
I would be pleased to answer any questions that the committee may have.