The $1.73 is the current rate. On the rate that was chosen, it's a principle-based approach, where we said that employers would pay the same rate as employees without having to pay the employer portion. That's why in Quebec the rate will be $1.36 for 2010, which is the same rate that employees pay. In the rest of Canada, the rate is $1.73.
On November 19th, 2009. See this statement in context.