Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I support the amendment proposed by my colleague. All of us here, myself included, appreciate Mr. Duvall's contribution as well as that of our friends from all the parties in the House. I think we need to take a step back to think about the work we've done and what we are about to accomplish here.
This is the biggest enhancement to the Canada Pension Plan since its creation in the 1960s. The enhanced plan will ensure young and old alike have income security. We will be giving them more benefits and increasing their income on a very gradual basis as the measure is phased in over a number of years. We must recognize the contribution made by the provinces and territories, not to mention that of our government and the Minister of Finance. In one fell swoop, we are going to deliver income security to generations of Canadians in their retirement years. Of course, we are not going to change the provisions allowing parents to take paternity or maternity leave and subject them to a loss of income. The minister is committed to addressing all of those issues, as he should, during the triennial review of the Canada Pension Plan.
On this side of the House and committee, we are thrilled with the enhancement. Frankly, we are amazed at the Canada-wide consensus that emerged during the meetings and negotiations between the Minister of Finance and his provincial and territorial counterparts.
At the very least, I hope the New Democratic Party will join us in applauding this great stride forward in the fabric of Canadian society. Tremendous though this progress may be, some advancements need to be made one at a time and are achieved only as a result of negotiations between multiple partners, in this case, the provinces and territories.
We should be celebrating this accomplishment, an incredible feat by the government. The Minister of Finance worked closely with his counterparts. We wish him much success when it comes time for the triennial review. We hope other advancements will be possible, and that's what my colleague's amendment will ensure. I am pleased to support it, as are the Liberal Party members. I would like to think that the members of the New Democratic Party, too, will celebrate this great stride forward in the fabric of Canadian society and the income security of Canadians for generations to come.
For that reason, I am in favour of the amendment put forward by my colleague.