Thank you.
Minister, you broached the issue of party financing when you mentioned that Stephen Harper had done away with public funding for political parties. I'd like to hear your thoughts on the relationship between the use of public money and the expression of democratic voting.
Since the funding is based on the number of votes received, we know there is a direct correlation between public money and number of voters. However, under the current system, which uses tax credits, I would argue that the distribution of public funds is actually based on how deep the pockets of political party donors are.
Here's a hypothetical scenario. If I give the Bloc Québécois $400, I get a tax credit of $300. Indirectly, then, I'm forcing the government to give the Bloc Québécois $300. The connection to public funds is more dependent on voters' ability to donate.
Do you see the situation the same way?