Mr. Chairman, I first would like to apologize for missing the very beginning; I was tied up.
I wish to express also our chairman's regret at not being able to be here this afternoon. Monsieur Robert Marleau, the former Clerk of the House of Commons and our current chairman, is out of the country. He has asked me to replace him today.
I have been a member of the Parliamentary Centre's Board of Directors since retiring from my position as Chief Electoral Officer of Canada.
I accepted the offer to become a member of the board because I believe that the mission and objectives of the Parliamentary Centre complement the work that Elections Canada continues to do around the world.
Since the early 80s, Elections Canada has been helping countries that are seeking to develop democratic institutions. We have helped them hold free and fair elections by training election officers and returning officers and helping to prepare electoral lists. We have even drafted electoral and other legislation. But that is as far as it goes. Once a government is elected, Elections Canada leaves it to its own devices.
This is where I see a role for the Parliamentary Centre. We are in a position to take over where Elections Canada left off and help elected members to work effectively within the context of a democratic legislative assembly—a situation that is new to most of them. Although this sort of support does not enjoy the same high profile as that provided for elections, it is, nonetheless, at least every bit as important.
I will not go into more detail. I know you'll have many questions, particularly for Mr. Miller, who has already presented.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you for having us today.