I have one last question for Mr. Hallward and Mr. Houston, as they mentioned this topic during their presentations. Mr. Broder and Mr. Carmichael should feel free to provide an answer as well, if they wish to do so.
This is our eighth meeting on charities, and it is my third one. From what I can see, there is something that comes back again and again. Based on what people have said in their presentations—you are not the only ones, as those who presented before you said the same thing—the number of donors is going down, according to tax returns.
However, in March, Statistics Canada published the National Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating. This survey is conducted every three years. It seems to show that the percentage of people giving to charities has remained stable over the past three years, at 84%, and that the amount of donations has increased from $10.4 billion to $10.6 billion, I believe. So there appears to have been a slight increase, and the number of donors seems at least to be stable.
Looking at tax returns, there may seem to be a decrease. However, in these reports, we should remember that couples may share or split charitable donations. So, what is the right answer? Is the number of donors really going down or should we instead look at the results of the survey showing that the percentage is stable?
Mr. Houston and Mr. Hallward, we can start with you. Mr. Broder and Mr. Carmichael can answer afterwards, if they wish to do so.