Mr. Chair, this is really a political debate, and I'll tell you why.
Persons who, for 12 years, have involuntarily benefited from an amount of money that did not belong to them will be penalized for all that time because we suspect that some in that group might commit fraud? Mr. Chair, this is simply a political choice. Let's weigh that choice in the balance and consider the fact that the government currently holds $3.2 billion that belongs to seniors who are entitled to the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
With all due respect to our friends, who want to enlighten us, I would point out that this is definitely a political issue. Government finances will not be jeopardized as a result. This measure will protect people who involuntarily, without wishing it, find themselves in possession of money that does not belong to them. These are people whose incomes do not permit them to repay those amounts and for whom repayment spread over more than six years would mean misery.
Mr. Chair, I respectfully assert that this argument cannot be considered in the context of the decision we must make.