I'd like to make a comment rather than ask the officials a question.
My colleagues around the table have raised several points.
I've personally worked with charities to make the act that was in force at the time a lot more flexible. The situation my Ontario colleague referred to is precisely the reason why we're at this point. We tried to make changes that would now be possible under this bill.
It's the environmental groups that wanted this. What will they do as charities when they advocate for a greener environment? They'll be campaigning on that very issue, but, at some point, they'll have to try to advance their cause and convince Canadians to adopt their position.
That's been interpreted as a political activity that exceeded the 10% limit. It was too restrictive. This is the reason they've gone after the present and previous governments. However, following the discussions and consultations of the group the minister established, they came to the conclusion they needed a lot more flexibility. It has to be acknowledged that some charities carry on activities that are political but non-partisan. There's a big difference.
The reason I raise this point is that I wanted to see whether you had made a real attempt to address the problem, and I think you have. Of course, there will be particular cases that exceed the limits. I have every hope the agency will restrict the activities of certain groups if need be.
As politicians, we will have an opportunity to review the matter. At some point, however, people have to promote their interests, if they're opposed to the death penalty, for example, and there's a way for people to do that without being considered partisan, even though it's political.