The significance of this subamendment is that it would make the entity non-partisan. It would allow there to be accountability, whoever is in government at the time, rather than allowing for an appointment to be made just by that government. It would allow for each political party to be consulted, to have input. Ultimately, the final decision would come from the minister, but it would at least allow for consultation, which allows for cross-party bridges to be built. That would be the hope.
This comes out of testimony we heard from numerous witnesses, who talked about the fact that the court challenges program can be good and can be used for good. However, it can also become partisan in nature because, of course, whoever happens to be the government at the time can flex in that decision-making process.
Over the years, we've observed the Liberals and the Conservatives and how they've managed it. This subamendment would allow all parties to be part of the decision-making process with the board of directors, therefore hopefully achieving a more non-partisan approach.