Mr. Garry Breitkreuz, M.P.
Chair
Standing Committee on Public Safety
and National Security
House of Commons
131 Queen Street, Room 5-78
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6

Dear Mr. Breitkreuz:

We are pleased to table the Government's Response to the Second Report of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security: Statutory Review of the DNA Identification Act in accordance with Standing Order 109 of the House of Commons.

The Government of Canada recognizes that the National DNA Data Bank is a vital component of the criminal justice system that contributes to the safety and security of Canadians by identifying perpetrators of crimes and exonerating those who have been wrongly suspected of committing crimes. The Government of Canada is committed to making the best possible use of DNA in the criminal justice system while respecting the Charter and privacy rights of Canadians.

The recommendations made by the Standing Committee are acceptable in principle to the Government. The Government will therefore consult with the provinces, law enforcement and other stakeholders on a priority basis with a view to developing a consensus on how best to proceed.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you and the other members of the Committee for your excellent work in reviewing the DNA Identification Act and providing constructive recommendations.

Sincerely,

The Honourable Rob Nicholson
Minister of Justice and Attorney
General of Canada

The Honourable Peter Van Loan
Minister of Public Safety