Mr. Chair, Mr. Regan, I see nothing wrong with lobbying for literacy. I see nothing wrong with lobbying for equality. The lobbying isn't always done with government. Some of my colleagues in the field of literacy will spend much of their time advocating with employers to allow time for their employees to take the training. I see nothing wrong with suggesting that children deserve quality day care, and lobbying and advocating for that wherever it takes place.
One of the concerns of our foundation is that the Minister of Heritage announced in the House that there would be changes to the terms and conditions of grants and contributions and that now no federal money could be used for lobbying or advocacy, although those terms are not defined.
If we understand correctly what's being proposed, Mr. Chair, it may well be a breach of contract for anyone who receives any federal funding to appear before a parliamentary committee or even to go to the project manager and say they need more money because this new need has emerged. I don't think that's what's intended. I think that may be the result, and I think that destroys public discourse in this country.