Sure.

If it's okay with you, Mr. Chair, I propose quickly walking through clause 46 and drawing your attention to where the proposals in the bill correspond with equivalent provisions in the Criminal Code. It is a large clause.

Proposed section 715.23 is drawn from the equivalent provision already in the code. I think this was already spoken to earlier today. It provides a set of circumstances or criteria that a court must take into consideration when determining whether to allow remote testimony.

Proposed section 715.231 requires the consent of the prosecutor and accused for participation in preliminary inquiries. That is drawn from existing subsection 537(1) of the Criminal Code.

The next provision, 715.232, deals with some reconviction proceedings. That is drawn from subsection 651(1) and requires, again, the consent of the accused and the prosecutor when the accused is not in custody or the consent of the accused where they are in custody. There are always those checks and balances that exist. There's also a corresponding subsection 802(1) in the current Criminal Code, which this provision is drawn from.

Provision 715.233 is also drawn from subsection 650(1.1). This is the provision that governs remote appearances in prosecutions for indictable offences. Again, it requires the consent of both the accused and the prosecutor.

Proposed section 715.234 deals with police and guilty pleas. Again, it requires the consent of the prosecutor and the accused. It is drawn from existing section 606 of the Criminal Code.

For sentencing, 715.235, again it requires consent of prosecutor and offender, and it is drawn from section 650 of the Criminal Code.

Proposed section 715.24 is a residual catch-all provision that addresses circumstances in which a specific rule hasn't been provided in the Criminal Code for remote appearances. It requires the consent of the accused or the offender, because it may apply to circumstances post-conviction. It is drawn from existing section 715.23.

I think the provision that has come up, proposed section 715.241, is drawn from paragraph 537(1)(k) and section 650.

Finally, proposed sections 715.242 and 715.243 are drawn from existing provisions 715.24 and section 537 and so on.

To summarize, the proposals seek to consolidate a number of different provisions that already exist. They do not propose to change the requirements, and they build in checks and balances for when remote proceedings would be possible.

Thank you.

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