As I said earlier in my presentation, the older people get, the more precarious their financial situation becomes. I don't know if my colleagues agree with me, but that is a fact. Those are the very basic facts.
The former secretary-treasurer of my organization is also an accountant. He prepares the income tax returns of many seniors. Most of them have annual incomes that fall between $17,000 and $18,000. These people have serious health problems and are isolated, for the most part. It is hard to imagine how we could impose these fees on them, since their income is comparable to the minimum wage. In my opinion, we should not impose such a surtax on them. If they apply and are 65 years of age or more, and their financial situation is precarious, we should not even consider the idea of imposing fees on them.
Everyone recognizes that the postal service is essential, but for these people, door-to-door mail delivery is equally essential. Canada Post could develop a list of criteria in this regard, and the income of seniors who applied to receive door-to-door delivery should be taken into account. A person whose annual income is $17,000 cannot increase his or her expenses.