Information & Ethics committee  I think that, if you read the entire affidavit, you'll see that it also refers to another procedure that the Commissioner conducted, which was a production order served on the firm that handled media buying.

Information & Ethics committee  And I think he was able to obtain information—

Information & Ethics committee  No, obviously, that's an order. It's information that, once again, was obtained as a result of a court order. It was not available to me at the time I made my decision to deny the claims.

Information & Ethics committee  Yes.

Information & Ethics committee  I would tell you quite quickly, that more than 500 referrals were made to the Commissioner respecting the 39th general election.

Information & Ethics committee  Yes. The financial side was evaluated and there had indeed been offences under the act. I'll give you a typical example of what unfortunately happens too often and constitutes an offence. I referred very briefly to it. Transferring funds to a candidate before he is officially a candidate is an offence under the act.

Information & Ethics committee  Once again, it is the Commissioner who conducts his investigation and who uses the tools at his disposal to conduct his investigation—

Information & Ethics committee  I believe there were frequent exchanges, as I said in my presentation a little earlier this morning, with party representatives, agents and candidates concerning all these transactions. Unfortunately, I ultimately didn't find the information sufficient to authorize reimbursement, and that is why there is a dispute before the courts.

Information & Ethics committee  At the time I made that decision, yes.

Information & Ethics committee  Is it a legal requirement? I don't think so. If I were a candidate, I'd be inclined to want to see it, but....

Information & Ethics committee  Produced, I'm not sure, but placed, yes.

Information & Ethics committee  It's possible for a party to be a supplier of goods and services to a candidate. They can transfer them or sell them.

Information & Ethics committee  Yes.

Information & Ethics committee  There could be some conditions attached to the transfer.

Information & Ethics committee  Yes.