I didn't think so, but I thought I'd investigate that.
I want to remind you that it's volunteers who work on these campaigns. These are unpaid individuals who usually work part-time in the evening. They do it for the love of their country. They're not getting paid. They're not financial experts or accountants generally, but they're there to help.
You've admitted that there's no basis in law, no point in the Elections Act that refers to these five facts, but you've identified them nonetheless. I put it to you, Mr. Mayrand, that they're neither reasonable nor legitimate.
Take the topic of television advertising. Although I'm no expert on the matter, I can only presume that it's a very complicated process involving multiple players, including graphic designers, actors, sound technicians, musicians, and television stations, to name only a few. I think it's absurd to suggest that every candidate who participates in television advertising would have his official agent understand the detailed knowledge that you're expecting about all these aspects. With the possibility of an election being around the corner, presumably you have put some thought into what election campaign advertising Elections Canada will be doing, since you're the person who's ultimately responsible for the budget for Elections Canada.
I was wondering if you could answer some of these detailed knowledge questions. What, for example, is the advertising budget for Elections Canada in the next election?