Yes, there will be other members who will be long gone, too, if Canadians choose to dwell on this issue.
Should members of parliament therefore receive a pension? Yes, they should. Should we look at making further changes in the future? Perhaps we should look at something that is more consistent with the private sector. However, we have to look at the whole picture. We know that members of parliament are not remunerated on the same level as those working in the private sector, for example, in certain positions.
If we are going to look at this issue we should do it in a holistic way, not holus-bolus and not to the benefit of one party and to the detriment of another.
I will conclude my remarks by saying that I hope there is sufficient attention being paid to what is playing out before us here, this morality play that was so convenient in years past that has now come home to roost. I hope all members of parliament, including members of the reform party, will reflect on their conscience and review their words. Maybe they will not be so quick to shoot from the hip the next time.