I'm astounded. I do not believe that ordinary Canadians believe that a minor under the age of 14 should be providing political donations, period. I do believe that most Canadians would want to see an age limit to have the legal capacity to donate. I understand that my colleagues around the table, the majority of them, did not believe that the age limit that I had proposed of 18 was reasonable and fair. But I definitely think that.... We don't want to see children, definitely under the age of 14, donating. That's circumventing the law as far as I'm concerned.
The day after the legislation with this amendment and subamendment that Mr. Martin is proposing came into force, a child could be born and that parent would be able to donate under the child's name. Already under our Electoral Financing Act, no person is permitted to donate money in someone else's name. It's already an illegal act, and I don't see why we would want to make it legal. I don't believe children under the age of 16, at least, should be making political donations to any party.
With the explanations we've been given as to what is a contribution, the dollar amount that's considered an actual contribution, that does not preclude our young people under the age of 16 from participating in political parties, from becoming members of political parties, etc.
Perhaps my suggestion of age 18 was seen as unreasonable, but I really don't believe that children under the age of 14 should be making a donation.