From a new member's perspective, the transition is very difficult. I was elected on the 14th or the 15th, depending on when I was certified late that night, and it's not that I'm looking for any hero cookies, but I had a 10-day-old baby at home, and a new home that was delayed--I was living in a temporary residence at the time. I had to come to Ottawa, find a place to live, and attempt to find staff. My swearing-in happened to be scheduled at the same time that your briefing was taking place.
I'd been involved in provincial politics for a while, but I didn't actually think about you or your office until I received the form to fill out, and then--I have to be honest with you--there was so much on my desk at the time, and I still didn't have staff, and it was at the bottom of a pile. I think I received it towards the last couple of days, and in a complete panic--having just been elected I thought I was going to get into trouble already--I filled in the form and was a bit surprised by the questions that were in it.
I almost feel there should be a mandatory sit-down with new members of Parliament. It shouldn't necessarily be an option that you should come to our offices, meet with us and our staff. I think the 120 days might not necessarily be long enough, because sometimes it does take a while to get the staff and then bring them up to speed as well. So I wonder if you would consider, as part of your function with new members, a mandatory sign-off provision. I wonder if you also provide any information to Elections Canada so that candidates might know in advance what they'll be expected to comply with if they are successful.