Mr. Speaker, the hon. member asked exactly the right question.
Right now, it may be necessary to spend a few million dollars for the POWA program, but what will happen if nothing is done?
The psychological and physical impact on individuals will be much greater. However, there will also be a very serious economic impact on the provincial government and the federal government. We all benefit when our workers have a decent basic income. This money does not just get stuffed in their pockets; they put it back into the economy every time they go to the garage, the corner store or buy the basic necessities.
The government puts money in the economy. Some of this money comes back to it and ensures that these people can live in dignity for a few years until they reach retirement. That is all this is about. It seems so obvious to me.
It is odd that these Conservative members who had voted in favour of a similar motion are today unable to see the value in this motion.