I'd like to thank all the guests who presented today. It's helpful to get the perspective of those who are from the party side of the equation. You all bring a different perspective.
We're going to have people who have examined the whole constitutionality question and concerns about convention, etc., so I'm going to save that for another day and not bring it up, unless you feel the need to. From the New Democratic Party perspective, we support this bill because we believe it will result in a more level playing field. It was something we proposed before the last election. However, there's a caveat. The government has the public purse, and the advantages therein. There are concerns about advertising and doling out the dough at election time.
I would like to get your perspective on bringing in changes to make sure that governments aren't allowed—and we could talk about dates—to use government advertising right before an election. We would need amendments or parallel legislation brought in for this. That's number one.
Number two: October is not a bad date, since the budget has already taken place. The estimates might be out, but the government wouldn't have the opportunity to dole out the money. There should be some curtailment. Just before an election, the announcements come out and the money starts flying around all over the country. I'd like your take on this.
I'll start with that, and then I have some other questions. For now, though, I`d just like your take on curtailment of funding around advertising and government announcements, except in emergencies.