Information & Ethics committee  In real life I'm an income tax consultant. We have a tax law in this country that is relatively complicated. I was invited to be an official agent for Mr. Marler. I was surprised at how complicated the laws around elections were. In fact, we didn't know what we were doing quite a bit of the time before the election started.

Information & Ethics committee  There are two things. One of them is this business about signing invoices and making sure that an invoice actually was received for services rendered. I think that's very, very important. The other thing I want to mention is this business about being summonsed rather than being invited.

Information & Ethics committee  I don't know.

Information & Ethics committee  I'll answer in English because it'll be quicker.

Information & Ethics committee  I understand very well. You will understand better if I speak in English rather than French.

Information & Ethics committee  That's right.

Information & Ethics committee  Yes.

Information & Ethics committee  Yes, it was for the purchase of the exterior signs. We were new at this procedure. As to why the party bought the signs as opposed to our buying the signs, I don't really know. My understanding was that it was cheaper that way because it was a bulk deal or something.

Information & Ethics committee  It was because they paid the bill.

Information & Ethics committee  My understanding was that at some point during the procedure an agreement was made that the amount from Elections Canada would be paid to the national party instead of directly to us. We were quite concerned that we get the cheque, because Mr. White had had a problem with that in the previous election and was still concerned that he had not received his cheques.

Information & Ethics committee  You would have to talk to him about that, but that was his concern: make sure you get your money back.

Information & Ethics committee  I don't recall what that is. It seems to me there were two payments of the amount that we were being reimbursed. Isn't it something such as that you get 20% and then you get the balance, or something?