You are no longer actively involved in politics, but since you have worked as a journalist, as an academic and as an expert on referendum issues, you are aware that in 1985, Quebec held a referendum. Prior to the actual referendum, we witnessed a three-day love-in. Canadians came from around the country to tell Quebeckers how much they loved them and to chant slogans like “Canada, stand together, understand together”. We witnessed an outpouring of affection. Here, we regularly get to see just how much Canadians love us.
However, there were problems owing to the expenses incurred by third parties. Canadian Airlines and Air Canada offered return flights from Vancouver to Montreal for $99. Of course, it was 1995, but even back then, these tickets cost more than $99. Trains were chartered from Ottawa and Toronto to give Canadians an opportunity to come and tell us they loved us. Telephone calls were made. All of these expenditures exceeded the allowable limit.
In your opinion, should specific provisions be adopted to address expenditures incurred by third parties during a referendum campaign?