Thanks, Mr. Chair.
I'll bring us back to the subject at hand.
For all of us around the table, I think we're all committed to seniors. For my entire time in office, for the many years I've had the privilege to represent my constituents, services for seniors have a been a top priority. Whether it's at the local level, certainly, our former provincial reps can say the same, and, of course, at the federal, seniors continue to be a priority for all levels of government.
I want to start with the age of retirement. When I was a city councillor I watched with interest the former Harper government move to increase the age of retirement from 65 to 67—and of course, we repealed that—our government did, before my arrival—and I've watched with interest other governments around the world flirting with that age issue. You might recall last year in France there was a massive protest as the French government considered increasing their age of retirement, much like the former Harper government did. I know that the U.K. has it on the books right now an increase in the age of retirement from 66 to 67, which will take place in 2026.
I know, Professor Sweetman, you have looked at seniors issues in many different areas, and I'm wondering if you could advise us on where Canada stands with some of our international comparators as it relates to support for seniors and the age of retirement issue.