I used to work a long time ago in the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner's office. Sponsored travel has been a concern from that perspective for a very long time. When I became the Commissioner of Lobbying, it concerned me that lobbyists, who expected something from those people they lobby, could offer travel worth thousands of dollars and then come back and call you to lobby you for something specific.
The predecessor of the current Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner appeared before committee and suggested that all sponsored travel should be subject to an acceptability test. I agreed with him.
From my perspective, on lobbyists, I thought, “I can't make a rule that hospitality and big, lavish dinners are prohibited,” but travelling members of Parliament, public servants or anyone else around the world, possibly with guests.... It certainly creates a sense of obligation that, in my view, is not acceptable.
At the end of the day, if it's that important for members of Parliament to go on these trips, you need the budget for it. I don't think it's fair. It's also levelling the playing field. I have had representations of concerns from those who have offered, but I have also received representations from those who have said, “We have never been able to offer that because we don't have the budget, and this was a good call and a good decision.”