Thank you very much, Mr. Chair, and thank you to all our presenters for the enlightening testimony today.
I also want to thank Professor Paul Thomas for bringing his class here. Paul and I both had the pleasure a decade ago of working with Andy Scott, the former member of Parliament for Fredericton. I know the experience Paul had, as well as my own, was foundational in leading us on the paths we're each on today.
To your students I say, soak in what your professor has to offer because it certainly comes from a lot of in-depth knowledge of the political system and our political culture.
Speaking of political culture, Professor Cross, your testimony has reminded me of the fantastic testimony we received from Maryantonett Flumian, someone with a long and distinguished career in the public service, who spoke about an electoral system as one part of a larger ecosystem that includes a constitution that has shaped the country; a charter that defends our rights and freedoms; a Supreme Court; a Senate; the public; the provinces, provincial governments, and the responsibility bestowed upon them; the public service; our international relations; and the media. These are all factors within the ecosystem that helps shape the political culture that leads us to this conversation today. We need to consider these factors in deciding where we go from here.
When we ask Canadians in a poll if they think we should change the electoral system, do you think that they're thinking about the magnitude of issues, actors, and pieces that will inevitably influence or be influenced by a change?