Madam Speaker, I want to thank the hon. member for the conversations we have shared not only on this matter but on a series of different areas of criminal justice reform in recent days.
I think it is important to understand what we are seeking to achieve. We are not seeking to criminalize people who may dislike one another. We are not seeking to protect people from being offended or hearing something that they do not like. We are seeking to protect Canadians against criminal activity that would advance the detestation or vilification of an entire class of Canadians based on characteristics that define who they are.
To the extent that members have questions about the very specific definitions that they wish to debate further in this House, I invite them to place their concerns on the floor. I invite them to adopt the legislation so we may actually discuss, with the benefit of expert testimony at committee, what potential amendments may improve this bill to offer protections to communities.
I will take suggestions in good faith. I do not seek to dig in with a version of the bill that cannot be amended. I want to work with members of the House to ensure we prevent this vilification of people on the basis of who they are.