Thank you.
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.
I'm going to start by speaking to the representative of Imagine Canada. Your presentation disappointed me somewhat, in view of the fact that you represent all charities, I believe.
You say you are in favour of transparency, but you're reluctant when it comes to disclosing salaries. You say that may violate privacy and that the publication of specific details jeopardizes the safety of certain individuals.
You cite the example of people working in international development who often find themselves in some of the most dangerous places in the world. So you cite very specific situations as an argument.
Let's consider that argument. If a security problem arises for people working in the international development field, I believe that's more a consequence of political actions that are taken, not actions based on a specific salary.
That disappoints me somewhat. It seems to me that you didn't make enough of an effort to put yourself in the shoes of donors, of people who have to make donations to organizations. All those who say they oppose this—and that's somewhat the impression this gives me—are protecting the interests of their organizations, and that's normal. However, I believe you have to put yourself in the position of people who have to give.
A number of organizations deplore the fact that donations are declining in Canada. They want to increase tax credits in order to promote donations, to help people give more. Everyone we consult in this field wants transparency. They at least want to be informed and not to be kept in the dark.
I'm going to let Mr. McCreesh continue.