To our witnesses, thank you very much.
I think, Mr. Chair, we should have had them first, because the information they've given us has been very enlightening—not that bureaucrats don't do a good job, but they do confuse the issue sometimes more than they clarify.
Thank you very much for all your recommendations. I think there are some great recommendations which we should look at, as far as that goes.
In terms of Magnitsky—I know that a couple of you are familiar with that act in the U.S.—we talked about unilateral actions versus looking at doing more across a broad base. Meredith, because I know you're probably familiar with this, in light of our private members' bills that were first proposed by Irwin Cotler and then by Mr. Bezan, what are your thoughts on the effectiveness of the Magnitsky Act and law?
I hear what we're saying, that this act is not to target governments; I realize that it's looking at individuals.
I'm hearing, John, what you said, that if we're going to look at this we need to have resources, and you're talking about some of our companies that go out to these places.
As you look at what was passed in the U.S., do you think it's effective? We just heard Thomas say that we're also sending a message when we talk about sanctions.
Maybe just comment on your perception of what the Magnitsky law in the United States has done to the whole issue around sanctions and corrupt officials.