I see. Thank you very much.
I have several questions that I intend to divide among the witnesses.
My first question is for you, Ms. Byers, or for you, Mr. Jackson. With respect to the contribution rate, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the government plans to divert $19 billion of the accumulated surplus in the EI fund by the year 2015 to offset the deficit.
At the same time, there is no denying that the needs are great. Currently, the contribution rate is being voluntarily maintained at a very low level, namely at $1.76, whereas the government is projecting that this rate will rise to $2.14 in 2011. I'd like to hear your views on this matter. There is something diabolical going on here. Why not increase the rate immediately to $2.14 or to about $2 to beef up EI right away and achieve the dynamic economic spinoffs discussed? I'd like to know how you feel about the government using the EI fund in this manner.