Thank you, Mr. Kingsley, for coming and for an extremely detailed and contextualized presentation.
I appreciate that you've been very fair in commenting on some of the positive aspects of the bill and categorizing some other parts as neutral, but you've also very clearly indicated some problems that I think you would obviously like to see fixed. Frankly, I may be understating that because at the beginning of your remarks you indicated that you seem to be largely in agreement with Mr. Mayrand on many of his concerns. What I would like to do, if possible, is double-check and ask whether there are any elaborations you'd like to make on some of the concerns that you've expressed.
One of the things you have expressed is that section 18 as now modified is getting rid of public education outreach functions and replacing them with a targeted list of communication functions. That has to absolutely be repealed and the current provision put back in place. That seems to be what I heard you say.
I do know back in 2006 in your report you stated:
Elections Canada was also able to conclude landmark agreements with various Aboriginal organizations, to generate stronger interest and participation in the election among First Nations, Métis and Inuit electors.
I've taken the time to read a lot of your work over your tenure, and to me, outreach, public education, and enhancing general participation in elections were hugely emphasized. With that, am I right in thinking that you think getting rid of section 18 is a very large mistake?