Mr. Speaker, there is no linkage between CPP premiums and EI premiums any more than there is between CPP premiums and other payroll taxes such as imposed by the provinces, workers compensation, health or education levies. In fact, each has to stand on its own feet.
The member's question is very pertinent. One would really hope that the joint stewardship of the CPP between the federal government and the provincial and territorial governments will lead all
parties to deal with the immediate need for financial stability of the plan.
I am, I must say, quite optimistic that we will arrive at a solution. I would prefer to have done it by January 1. We may go beyond that but I believe there is goodwill on all sides to arrive at a solution.