What you are really saying is that you can't use the back door to try and do what is not allowed through the front door. There is only so much money that can be spent, and it is not acceptable to do things by going through the back door. That is perfectly normal.
I am sure you know that I fully agree with my colleague, Mr. Guimond, when he says that you are the watchdog of democracy in Canada. You are completely independent. If we make a mistake—
I remember that Elections Canada, with respect to signs I had not returned… I don't remember what the cost was, because I never asked. But you were fully entitled to know whether I had returned my signs or not. Even if my signs had cost $1,800 and there were $10,000 worth still to return, that taught me that, the next time around, I had to return the old signs that I had put up in order to save the environment.
When that happened, I don't remember hearing the Conservatives crying wolf, and saying that Elections Canada staff were going to Bathurst to count signs and find out whether they were old signs or not. I didn't hear anything like that. Apparently the money was well spent that time. I remember they all had big smiles on their faces.
I certainly hope so, because this is a public meeting. I think what they're trying to do is tell Canadians that these people are spending money at Elections Canada, because they are going after us. In my opinion, when you do it that way, it is an attack on democracy. They are the ones who will pay the price.
Those are my only comments, Mr. Mayrand. Thank you.
