That answers my question, especially since I assume that the statement made by the finance department's official will be on the record. Therefore, his interpretation will have the force of law. Individuals who remain extremely ill after five years will still have the right in the sixth year to withdraw money from their disability savings plan without having to repay the government. That's what Mr. Keenan said. I take his statement as is, and since it's on the record, that interpretation now has the force of law. It is part of the rules of interpretation for revenue laws.
On June 20th, 2011. See this statement in context.