Mr. Speaker, it is unfortunate that the member was not here when I delivered my speech because I did say that the 25% reduction in the mandated RRIF withdrawals was a step in the right direction. However, it does not go nearly far enough.
Seniors have been devastated in terms of what is happening to their portfolios as a result of the economic downturn. The member will know that organizations like CARP and others are saying that what we needed was a two year moratorium. That would have really helped seniors.
More important, there is nothing in the economic update for those seniors who do not have investment portfolios. Where is the help for those seniors? The economic update is absolutely silent on helping the most vulnerable in our community. I will make absolutely no apologies for standing up for seniors in the House.