Mr. Chairman, in my capacity as Chief Electoral Officer of Canada, I was requested to appear before the committee today in relation to its study of the review and treatment of financial returns and the key considerations at play in the review of returns.
I have provided the committee with a description of the relevant aspects of the legislative and administrative framework that govern political financing. Parliament, through the Canada Elections Act, has set a financial regime that seeks to create a level playing field and that sets separate spending limits for parties and candidates.
As Chief Electoral Officer, I must ensure that candidates and political parties follow the rules as set out in the act. I must also ensure a rigorous approach to the disbursement of public monies. Fair, consistent, transparent and impartial administration of the legislation is critical to maintaining public trust in the electoral process.
Prior to my appearance, Mr. Chair, you provided me with a list of 10 public office holders who claimed a regional media buy expense in their electoral campaign returns for the 39th general election. You requested that I provide the committee with the dates on which the returns of those individuals were filed with Elections Canada. I have provided to the clerk for your information a table with the requested dates.
I wish to remind the committee members that I am not in a position to comment, and therefore I will not comment, on ongoing investigations by the Commissioner of Canada Elections or the specifics of the case currently before the Federal Court, nor will I discuss any individual case.
This concludes my remarks, Mr. Chair.