Procedure and House Affairs committee  Thank you so much, Mr. Chair. It's a pleasure and honour to appear before this committee. I would like to thank the members of the committee for giving me an opportunity to discuss a very important issue—the way in which federal leaders' debates are organized in Canada. I would

Procedure and House Affairs committee  I have spent the bulk of my life involved with institutions, universities, commissions and public policy task forces. As I said in my opening statement, I have moderated three debates in the past. As I see it, debates are an essential part of our democracy and democratic way of l

Procedure and House Affairs committee  The biggest change is social media. It's a revolution, really. The range of stakeholder interests and media is broad. It's necessary to engage young people in the political process, not to mention all Canadians, not just by taking a traditional approach to debates, but also by us

Procedure and House Affairs committee  The digital revolution is in full swing.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  That is correct. Another important consideration is to foster a more comprehensive discourse so that Canadians are encouraged to really consider the options available, rather than just reacting to the important issues affecting the country right now.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  That is correct. The easiest solution is to hold the two debates in both official languages. My hope is that the content of the debates will be widely disseminated and that people also consider the big questions that inform our democratic process. We will have to work very hard t

Procedure and House Affairs committee  I think so, yes. First of all, I'd like to say what a privilege it was to hold the office of Governor General of Canada for seven years. Both my wife and I felt honoured. Perhaps the most important thing is to have a very clear sense of who and what the country is. We were gratef

Procedure and House Affairs committee  We have a small office not far from Parliament, on Sparks Street. I haven't seen it yet. I also have an office at the Rideau Hall Foundation.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  There will be an office.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  Yes, if I am appointed, which is not yet confirmed since I have only been nominated. The discussions are under way. However, there will be a secretariat with a small, but strong, team.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  It was a privilege.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  Fortunately, the mandate provides criteria that are very helpful. I thank your committee for the job you have done not only on that question, but a number of questions. There are three criteria, two of which must be met. The first two are reasonably clear. The third could prese

Procedure and House Affairs committee  Sure.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  You have put very good questions, and I don't have the specific answers to them. They will have to be determined at the time, of course, with the advice of the advisory board. The timing is a very sensitive and important question, and there are arguments on either side of when

Procedure and House Affairs committee  That's a very thoughtful observation. It has the beauty, of course, of precision and clarity. On the other hand, you want to determine how much evidence you need. We've alluded to earlier precedents and we will look at earlier precedents. I'm a lawyer by training and I'm not sur