Yes. I'm going to take the easy way out and read one of the questions actually prepared by our researchers for us.
Some analysts have argued that a better funded and more high profile institution is needed to advance Canadian foreign policy goals in the area of democracy promotion. Current activities are seen as too small and dispersed to have much cumulative effect. As well, unlike in the United States and a number of European countries, in Canada political parties have not been directly involved in international democracy assistance. Thomas Axworthy, who was of course Pierre Trudeau's chief of staff, and Leslie Campbell--he's a New Democrat, I understand--have recently proposed creating a “Democracy Canada Institute,” which would see parties become involved in its activities.
I gather that Tom Axworthy is coming before us as a witness, and I believe Les Campbell is hopefully on the list at some point too. This may be the one specific proposal that people make to us. I gather it has some similarities to the National Endowment for Democracy that was referred to, the Westminster Foundation, which the British have, or the Dutch Institute for Multiparty Democracy.
If we as a committee were to recommend to the government to pursue that suggestion, what would be your response to that kind of approach?