We raise this issue because we are constantly implored on this issue by Canadians who worked in the States. The 50% was the amount of taxable rate until about 1996; then it was changed to 85%, which is what it is currently. For a lot of people, this is their only form of income. Because they didn't work in Canada, they don't have Canadian pensions, and they're finding it simply too difficult to maintain themselves.
On October 17th, 2006. See this statement in context.