Yes, prior to retirement, up to the age of 65, if the person is receiving a CPP disability benefit, it's true that the individual's contributory period ends when they start receiving a disability benefit. When they reach the age of 65, that benefit will be automatically converted, through a formula that's in the legislation, to a CPP retirement pension. So if the person does stay on the benefit from whatever age they go on until 65, if that's what happens, they automatically get a converted retirement pension, which is normally a bit lower. However, then they're eligible for OAS and GIS if the combined income is low enough.
We have introduced a number of provisions over the past 10 years to encourage CPP disability beneficiaries to work to their full potential. Obviously they have severe and prolonged disabilities, but they can earn small amounts of money if all they can do is work periodically. For example, they can earn $4,200 in 2006 without having to report that to CPP.
At a certain point of regular employment they need to report to the administration, and we will work with them to see if they're ready to regain regular employment. If they do, they actually have a safety net so that they can return to the benefit very easily if their disability recurs once the benefit has ceased.
So there are more opportunities now for people who are receiving CPP disability to earn; as you say, through earning they can save more towards their retirement, if that's one of their issues.