I agree with you entirely. I'd like to point out that an application fills a binder. Canadian Heritage has to examine the content of the binder and approve it. Personally, if I go to the bank to get a loan, I'm not asked to provide enough information to fill a binder. I'll spend the money as I see fit once I have it in my pocket.
I want to point out that we have nothing against accountability. We have demonstrated a responsible attitude toward public funds, and as far as most organizations go, we have a good track record. Some organizations are just emerging. We want to make sure that we don't have to fill up a binder. That operation slows down the process, not to mention that there's an entire internal approval process.