Procedure and House Affairs Committee on Sept. 28th, 2017

[Karina Gould, Liberal, Burlington, ON]

That would be captured under the legislation as it currently stands.

The five days is a minimum requirement. I invite all parties to advertise well in advance. I think we all know, as individuals who have to raise money, that often you advertise significantly more in advance, because you want more people to attend.

The legislation is designed, however, so that if one of these designated political actors were even to just show up at the event, even if they didn't know they were coming, that event would be captured. Of course, they would still have to meet the reporting requirements, but they should have received the advertising and might receive those...and would be subject to the penalties for not having done the advertisement in advance.

[John Nater, Conservative, Perth—Wellington, ON]

Can you repeat that last fact? Was it that they wouldn't be penalized for not...?

[Karina Gould, Liberal, Burlington, ON]

Yes.

[Robert Sampson]

Perhaps it would be useful to know that there's a provision that requires corrections and updates to the advertising as information changes. If there is new information that a minister is attending which wasn't available prior, the advertising would be updated.

That should address a situation in which there's a last-minute decision for a minister to appear.

[John Nater, Conservative, Perth—Wellington, ON]

You could, then, have a fundraising event for $1,500 advertised well in advance, and then lo and behold, a day before, the prime minister gives notice to show up, or advertises one day before.

[Robert Sampson]

Yes.

[Karina Gould, Liberal, Burlington, ON]

But it would be subject to the reporting requirements afterwards.

[John Nater, Conservative, Perth—Wellington, ON]

It would also be a burden for the media to try to cover that event, with five minutes' notice.

[Karina Gould, Liberal, Burlington, ON]

I would hope that individuals and parties might respect the spirit of the legislation.

[The Chair, Liberal, Larry Bagnell]

Thank you. Now we'll go to Ms. Sahota, for five minutes.

[Ruby Sahota, Liberal, Brampton North, ON]

Thank you, Minister, for appearing here today. I've learned a lot more about the legislation. I think it is a great step in the right direction.

I'm a little surprised to hear that this isn't going to make any difference at all now that media are in the event. Media constitute a channel through which so many people learn so much about what is actually happening. Most of these events were held in complete secrecy and still continue to be held in secrecy by some parties.

I think the Liberal Party has raised the bar now. The Prime Minister also has raised the bar and the standard of being more transparent. Once this legislation is in place, I think we'll be able to hold all parties accountable after the fact concerning who is attending these events.

Right now, Mr. Scheer is still refusing to reveal who's attending and is stating that it's only relevant to know in the case of prime minister's events, but it's not relevant to know who donates to him, as he is not a public office holder, but of course, he is in fact a public office holder.

Why did you find that it was important to make sure that all the various parties and candidates who, as you've said before, don't have a seat in the House reveal who's attending their fundraisers?

Also, can you in general talk a bit more about the Canadian system? I know that you think we have a very robust fundraising system and that even in the past, Elections Canada laws were technically still being followed. Why is this extra step necessary at this time?

[Karina Gould, Liberal, Burlington, ON]

Many of those points have been raised, but I'm happy to reiterate responses to them, particularly when it comes to party leaders.

It's because quite frankly we don't know what's going to happen in the next election or who may hold the balance of power, who may be in government. These are individuals who are seeking to be decision-makers for the country; therefore, it's important that they be part of this regime.

One thing I want to mention that hasn't come up yet is that we're also making technical amendments with regard to nomination and leadership contestant campaigns to ensure that they're more in line with actual candidate and party expenses during an election. Currently, neither leadership contestants nor nomination contestants, if they have spent money on their campaigns in those contests, have to report it beforehand, if the nomination or the leadership contest hasn't begun yet.

It's important to bring those rules in line, so that we continue to have a fair and level playing field in politics at all levels and at all points in time. This is something that PROC has also recommended, in your CEO report.

[Ruby Sahota, Liberal, Brampton North, ON]

That's an excellent step. I think this is another great big part. Are there other examples you can leave the committee with of safeguards that have been put in place with regard to campaign fundraising, financing, other than the ones we talked about today?

[Karina Gould, Liberal, Burlington, ON]

Sure, the key message I would leave with the committee is that we do have good, strict rules when it comes to fundraising in Canada, but this is an additional step that is in line with a long history of continuously improving our political financing laws and regime in Canada. This is going to have a substantial impact on how we move forward on political fundraising, particularly with people who are able to make decisions. Of course, this is going to change the way that Canadians see and understand fundraising activities as well, because they are going to have information on it. Bringing it into the light, into the open, is an important step, and I hope that all of us, regardless of which party we are in, are able to support this legislation but also to abide by it.

I should note, however, as with most legislation, this comes into force six months after it receives royal assent, to provide parties and individuals the time they need. So, while current leadership contests or current leaders are not captured, I encourage them to participate in the spirit of this legislation.

[Ruby Sahota, Liberal, Brampton North, ON]

Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Larry Bagnell]

Thank you, Minister, for attending today.

I'd also like to commend all the committee members. Obviously there is a difference of opinion, but that's democracy, and you have expressed your opinions very civilly and respectfully, and I appreciate that.

The meeting is adjourned.