I understand the intent of helping all candidates. I think it's a matter of a level playing field, in some regard, ensuring that all candidates have the opportunity to share their message with all electors. My concern is with regard to the responsibility of Elections Canada. My sense is that there's not enough direction in clause 33 with regard to the content.
To what extent is there promotion of the candidate, promotion of the political message or the political platform? Is it okay to undermine a candidate in the information you present? There are all sorts of issues in which, for now, Elections Canada has never been involved. Again, I'm concerned that it brings us too close to the messaging, as opposed to, again, administering the process objectively and independently. That's why I was suggesting maybe it's better to leave it to candidates, with a reasonable subsidy to cover the expenses in that regard. That's another option.
If it were to remain in the act, I would certainly prefer that there be more direction, more clarity, in clause 33. Again, if there is advocacy in those guides, certainly we need to make sure that this does not represent the views in any way or form of Elections Canada.