Procedure and House Affairs committee  A number of candidates did obtain court extensions. Most of them have another 12 or maybe 18 months. I'll ask my colleague Mr. Bernier to supply additional information. Basically, candidates who still have loans outstanding have received court extensions.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  We'll see how much is outstanding when the next report comes in.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  The appeal on the GST matter has been heard by the Ontario Court of Appeal, I think it was last June, and the decision could come out any time. On the other matter before the Federal Court, dates have now been set for hearing the appeal at the end of November.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  On the appeal process itself, I could verify that further, but I believe we spent in terms of a combination of the GST and.... I'll ask my colleagues. I don't want to mislead you.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  I think last time we reported $1.3 million to the committee, and I think there have been some increases of around $300,000.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  Pardon?

Procedure and House Affairs committee  No. That's something we have no choice about dealing with, so it depends on whatever it costs.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  No.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  It was my decision to appeal, given that the issues that were being raised touched the overall scheme of the legislation.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  We're talking about both appeals. They raised significant issues that touch upon the overall scheme of the legislation.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  On both cases.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  That's the change that's being proposed. Currently, the candidate would have to apply to court to get an extension of time. We're making two things here--

Procedure and House Affairs committee  Yes.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  In exceptional cases, we will have to take appropriate measures. The recommendation is intended to give the returning officer a certain amount of discretion so that, depending on the nature of the riding, he can ask that the ballot boxes be returned to a central location. He needs that discretion because of geography in the different locations.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  That's correct. However, what is proposed in the recommendation is not that different from the current regime in provinces all across Canada. It grants a certain amount of discretion with respect to custody of the ballot boxes, particularly those used for advance polling. The general rule proposed here is that custody of the ballot boxes continue to be the responsibility of election staff, but on occasion, the returning officer may ask to recover the boxes prior to the vote count.