Madam Chair, thank you for inviting me to share my opinion.
I submitted my opening statement, so I'll just summarize my recommendations.
First and most importantly, members reviewing the code should consider the impact of the advisory opinion on the accessibility of the Hill as a workplace. In my view, the advisory opinion has resulted in more unpaid people working for MPs. MPs have the right to staff their offices however they want; however, only a select group of people can afford to work for free and move from other regions of the country to do this.
Second, the current advisory opinion does nothing to address the numerous unpaid interns working on the Hill, many with advocacy aims. If the goal is to address conflicts of interest, perhaps this should be a consideration.
Third, members' staff should be offered training on these measures and on any new measures, including advisory opinions.
Fourth, there should be clearer and more transparent communication about the code and the advisory opinion.
Fifth, I recommend changing the language around paid interns. Characterizing young professionals as gifts is misleading and inappropriate, especially given the educational component of many internships.
Thanks so much.