Information & Ethics committee  I wasn't able and I didn't have enough facts to draw a reasonable conclusion as to whom to attribute the expense.

Information & Ethics committee  I apologize. I missed the question.

Information & Ethics committee  There might be others; that becomes hypothetical. What I can tell you is that, at the time the decision was made, I wasn't able, on the basis of the facts presented to me, to conclude that that expense could reasonably be attributed to the party.

Information & Ethics committee  Again, it depends on the circumstances. It's doable. You have to make sure that the agent is aware that he's authorized the purchase, that there are some documents that support the transaction, that the transaction is at commercial value, that the expense is reasonable, etc.

Information & Ethics committee  Yes.

Information & Ethics committee  I have to be able to attribute it positively. Not simply by—

Information & Ethics committee  In writing, by the official agent.

Information & Ethics committee  If it's purchased by somebody other than the official agent, it has to be authorized in writing.

Information & Ethics committee  I believe 10 office holders are sitting in the House, not 17.

Information & Ethics committee  That sanction applies only if the return has not been filed—in cases of failure to file a return or a conviction for having filed a false return. No such case has arisen for any member of the House.

Information & Ethics committee  Absolutely. As I indicated today, it's not a decision that lies with any particular individual. It's a decision that is the object of much checking and balancing before proceeding.

Information & Ethics committee  That is correct. We have a hotline with counsel at Elections Canada that is available only to parties. If there is anything they need from Elections Canada during the campaign, they can use that line to raise issues.

Information & Ethics committee  Again, there are all sorts of transaction practices that vary from party to party.

Information & Ethics committee  My hesitation is that I'm not personally aware of a case. It doesn't mean it doesn't happen.

Information & Ethics committee  The tag line is only used to determine the attribution of the advertisement. It indicates that, yes, it's been authorized by the agent, so it's to make it clear to the public who the advertisement should be attributed to. It has nothing to do with whether the expense for that advertising has been incurred.