Seeing that it's 5:08, I figured maybe you'd give me seven minutes, Madam Chair, just in the spirit of generosity.
Anyhow, thanks again, Ministers, for appearing today and for your forthright answers. I'm always amazed at the seven- and five-minute questions that come from our committee. It has been quite a learning experience.
Minister Finley, your riding is very similar to mine, both in the size and in the “ruralness”, if you will, of the riding. The demographics are very similar in that we have retirement communities with an abundance of seniors. Since 2006 the government has undertaken a tremendous number of initiatives that have definitely helped our seniors have more prosperous retirement years and a better standard of living, no doubt about it.
Before I go into my question, though, I would like to also take an opportunity to thank you for coming to the riding of Huron--Bruce in the pre-budget consultation period and hearing what the people of a rural riding have to say. I think they certainly appreciated that opportunity. As well, I'd like to thank you for the hard work from your offices; my staff deals with them in Kitchener, London, and Goderich, and they are just tremendously helpful. I know that the people who come into my office appreciate the ability to have that medium to deal with.
There is a great number of examples of where the opposition parties have voted against our government time and time again, whether it's on pension splitting, guaranteed income supplements, or New Horizons dollars. It's really quite staggering, to be honest with you.
One very successful program, though, that I've seen in my short time in office, is the New Horizons program. Again, the opposition parties voted against it, but I just wondered if you could put it in your terms. You've travelled from coast to coast to coast. Tell this committee how that helps seniors.