I think we've found the balance with the timely publication of the information after the event. Keep in mind, however, that not that long ago—I'm old enough to remember a number of times when electoral financing was reformed—there were basically no limits on union and corporate contributions under the campaign finance rules.
I think the way in which the Canada Elections Act, as passed, was implemented, specifically to exclude all entities, other than individuals, to reduce the limits and to factor in inflation—that too is being removed at the discretionary level—was the ultimate choice to ensure transparency. Of course, contributions are published and contributors have to comply with the act.
In comparison with other countries, we have the most transparent and stringent political financing system possible. Stephen Harper even did away with the financing of political parties. This resulted in a somewhat purer system, in the sense that, for financing, political entities have to turn to individuals—individuals who can choose what to do with their money—and have to adhere to fairly restrictive limits. If you compare that with anonymous contributions from foreign corporations, which are common in other countries I won't name, I would say Canada is a model on this front.
