What surprised me when we were speaking with Ms. Dawson was the focus on gifts down to $30, but she didn't really clarify her position on political fundraising. We had a situation where the Lobbying Commissioner looked into the case of Ms. Raitt, I believe, and felt that selling tickets to a fundraiser was inappropriate. But Ms. Dawson didn't seem to find that it was, because it wasn't for personal benefit.
I think it is really important to get our heads around the issue of fundraising. It would perhaps be impossible to say that a lobbyist can't go to a fundraiser because a member of Parliament or minister might not be aware of it, but would selling tickets or holding the fundraiser be different?
From your experience in the industry, how do you think we could actually clarify the rules on fundraising, so they are fair but also ensure that there's not undue influence?