Hon. Renée Dupuis: Senator Dalphond, did I understand you correctly when you said earlier that the committee is concerned about the fact that technology is not a quick fix for the future of the court process? The witnesses that we heard from said that technology could be useful in some cases, if some very specific criteria are met — for example, if the accused has a place where they can not only confer with counsel but also do so privately, which is not currently the case.

In fact, did we not hear other witnesses say that technology would not solve all the problems? In some regions of Canada, it is just as difficult to hold an in-person hearing as it is to hold a remote one. We are faced with a situation where it is difficult to travel to the courthouse and just as difficult to hold a remote hearing because the technology is not reliable enough.

Am I correct in saying that you raised this concern and that is why one of the committee’s observations involves a request for an impact study? The situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic forced courthouses and the entire judicial system to adapt. However, we need to look very closely and carefully at these impacts over the coming years.

Senator Dalphond: I thank Senator Dupuis for the question and for her very useful comments. I have nothing to add. I made reference to this in my own speech. Senator Dupuis, there’s no doubt that the committee’s observations on this are important. You made a very significant contribution. I commend Senator Cotter’s initiative in proposing that one or more independent committees review the implementation of these provisions after three years. I think we’re in a period of transition. As Senator Wetston said, the train has left the station and we can’t go back in time, but we can absolutely make adjustments and improvements along the way. That is why these studies are important. Over the next five years, we have a duty as parliamentarians to review this issue and make sure that it progresses in the right direction, without unintended consequences. You are absolutely right.

(On motion of Senator Martin, debate adjourned.)

[English]