Mr. Speaker, the member spoke about things he is concerned about in the plan. He spoke about making it more progressive. I am sure he is aware that any changes in the plan, as contained in the legislation or changes which will be made due to subsequent consideration, require the approval of the provinces. I would like to ask him how he intends to proceed on that with the NDP Government of Saskatchewan.
He spoke as well about the relatively low retirement income of Canadian women and their much higher rate of poverty in retirement.
He may be aware that during the negotiations between the federal and provincial governments there was a proposal on the table from the Manitoba government, supported by our government, which would have seen mandatory credit splitting between spouses as CPP income is earned. That would have gone a long way toward ensuring that future generations of retired women will not be penalized as they are today.
The NDP Government of Saskatchewan chose not to support that proposal. It is one provincial government which allows women to sign away their entitlement to CPP benefits.
I wonder if the member agrees that those income credits earned during the working life belong equally to both partners in a marriage or common law union and what measures he is prepared to take to ensure that the NDP supports that and will do its best to persuade the NDP governments in B.C. and Saskatchewan that they should also support it.