Mr. Chair, I have been quiet for quite some time during this process and on this side of the table, we've all spoken about the huge waste of energy and money trying to prove I don't know what, especially why we are spending time on this again, because this clause is in regard to pooled registered pension plans.
Pooled registered pension plans are something the Liberal Party has supported and has also agreed to with our government. We have heard lots from the Liberal Party with regard to the CPP and the changes that have to be made. They keep talking about the changes that were made to CPP, the upcoming change in age from 65 to 67.
It's never mentioned, of course, that those changes will not come into effect until, I believe it is 2023. This government has seen the necessity to act upon something which not only we, but economists also have said is a looming train wreck. Consequently, we have given people a long measure of time to prepare for that.
To supplement that and to narrow the gap between what is increasingly evident, the disparity between the public sector pensions and the private sector pensions, and often there is no pension for someone in the private sector, this government has introduced the pooled registered pension plan. We are here tonight, not because there's much disagreement or relevant change to this budget, but as a measure to slow the process down. I think Mr. Jean is correct. It's becoming increasingly more evident that the Liberal Party wants to become more and more relevant. That's unfortunate, because the Liberal Party has a long history of relevance, but this is certainly not the way to do it.
This is a measure that is important to Canadians. The people and businesses that I have talked to in my riding welcome this. They welcome this as an opportunity for businesses that don't have the deep pockets of some of the larger corporations or those that are funded by taxpayer dollars, and I'm speaking specifically of the public pensions. Those that are at a disadvantage are able to use this measure to offer pensions for their employees. Oftentimes they are mom and pop shops.
Here we are tonight going through these amendments. We've got a humongous, thick booklet of amendments. I don't know what to call many of them. In this particular case, this is a clause that should be carried rapidly.
I don't know if the opposition is in favour of this, but for the Liberals, who have requested a registered vote, to ask for that when they will undoubtedly vote for this clause is again an example of wasting time here on the Hill. As was mentioned before, we've got people who would much rather be at home with their families. Clerks, members of Parliament, the library of Parliament analysts are getting a little tired.
I guess we need to go through this process. I just wanted to express my disappointment. I hope that the Liberals will see a way to speed this up, do the right thing, and move through these areas that don't need to take this kind of time.