Thank you, Mr. Chair.
When the committee met with witnesses, we heard two diametrically opposed positions, just as the Standing Committee on Industry and Technology did when it studied a similar bill. On one hand, pension fund managers and employers expressed the view we just heard from the honourable parliamentary secretary; they were concerned about certain risks. On the other hand, seniors groups, unions and workers argued that those risks were completely unreasonable and cited examples to refute each one.
We heard two conflicting perspectives. My party is the one that stands up for seniors and unions. Do I think Bill C-228, as it's currently worded, poses serious risks to defined benefit pension plans or puts businesses in jeopardy? No, not at all. Workers and unionized employees care more about keeping their jobs than about being higher on the creditor payment list when a company is winding up. That is why, with all due respect, an amendment like this is unnecessary.
Witnesses representing seniors and unions assured the committee that that was the case. In my view, that's final.