Thank you, Chair.
Yes, I received this letter of May 4 from the SRR, and I'm pleased to point out that they've demonstrated that there has been a challenge to the SRR divisional representation system under the MacDonnell decision a month ago that their association is in fact unconstitutional. But of course that will make its way through the courts.
I want to ask a question of our colleagues who have come forward. I've just received, Mr. Cape, your speaking notes. I'm sorry I wasn't able to follow every word you said. I'm sure it was harder on translation to go through this.
Mr. Cape, and perhaps this is to Ms. Rossignol as well, in helping the government to prepare for this legislation, what options did the RCMP consider to make the cadets' time in depot pensionable? Were any amendments to the Income Tax Act thought of prior to this, given this very glaring omission in which you're possibly and potentially having people coming into the RCMP absorbed through local service or local outlets who may in fact have much better pensions than those existing in the RCMP? I guess we're concerned about the spectre of unfairness, and perhaps we have a different take, Mr. Cape, on your position of this being able to help recruiting efforts. I can't see this as being anything more than unfair. So from an income tax point of view, were any amendments considered prior to the tabling of the legislation?