He even talked about generations. That paints a good picture for us.
I think we need to pass the bill quickly because we are ready to do so. Some talked about the need to hear testimony. People have been testifying for 20 years and telling us the same things. Some think it will be difficult for companies, wonder how they are going to do it, and are concerned that it's going to be an additional burden on them. However, I really think that they are crying wolf and just trying to scare people, because there are solutions. In terms of income tax recovery, if it wants to, the government can withdraw from creditors who have a higher priority than workers. It can offer loan guarantees.
I think that, in 2010, we heard from 47 witnesses on a similar bill. I feel like we have to do the work over again every time. I feel that all the arguments have already been made over the last 20 years or so. A lot of researchers have testified. Those who appeared said that there would not be a big impact on the ability of businesses to get loans. This has all been documented before.
I wish we could work with what has already been done and pass this bill. That's where the idea of starting the clause-by-clause consideration immediately comes from. What we need to do now is show leadership and make a decision. We have no idea what the Canadian and global economy will look like after the pandemic or what will happen 20 or 30 years from now. However, we can do something right now.
The bill is reasonable. I would invite your colleagues to read the bills on this topic that have been introduced over the last 20 years or so, if they want to know more. I would invite them to read all the debates in the House and in committee. They will see that we have done the rounds and now we simply have to make a decision. I hope we make it very quickly. I am willing to hear from witnesses, but I think we are beyond hearing from witnesses. The situation has not changed over the past years. In fact, it has only gotten worse for pensioners and workers.