I think we mentioned it in the report, but I would like to reiterate that in 2006, the government of the day made a conscious choice not to include the mere appearance of conflict per se in the Conflict of Interest Act. It's reflected in the parliamentary debates on the subject. The Senate had proposed an amendment to incorporate the issue of apparent conflict of interest, but they chose not to include it in the Act.
Would it be beneficial to do so? I haven't studied the issue thoroughly. I did study it a little, though, because I obviously expected these types of questions. This amendment would carry some danger, because you also have to guard against paralysis. We know that politicians and policy makers often know hundreds and thousands of people. Also, appearance is something very subjective. What I consider a conflict of interest will not necessarily be considered as such by my neighbour. Appearance is a bit intangible and abstract.
So that is the kind of thing that would need to be properly studied in parliamentary committee before concluding whether or not it is desirable to include it in the Act. It would also have to be determined whether, in practice, it is possible to sanction someone who, in a situation of apparent conflict of interest, nevertheless participates in decision-making.