Human Resources committee  We've been on the record with that, absolutely.

Human Resources committee  Yes. But to qualify that, it's still not enough, sir, and we'd like you to do more.

Human Resources committee  We're not satisfied; we acknowledge that they're positive steps, but we think far more needs to be done.

Human Resources committee  I want to just step in and make one point. The benefit level in 1990 was higher. In the 1990 recession, it was higher than it is today. So this system today is worse than it was in the recession in 1990.

Finance committee  Thank you, Chair. On behalf of the 3.2 million members of our Canadian Labour Congress, we want to thank you for affording us the opportunity to present our views. The Canadian Labour Congress brings together Canada's national and international unions, along with provincial an

Finance committee  I think the question is a fair one. We think the expansion should be compulsory. I might add that the cost of that expansion is less than the fees charged for a private RRSP, by the way. We think it should be a defined benefit program, but we also argue in our presentations that

Finance committee  I think anything that helps to stimulate the economy.... And there's no doubt anecdotally that a lot of people are accessing it and conducting home renovations. I'm sure the program is an incentive. We've encouraged and endorsed it as a good incentive to help offset the job losse

Finance committee  Thank you very much. I have with me Dr. Joel Harden, our expert on this issue. We were of the view that this hearing was about federally regulated pension plans, but I sure appreciate the comments I've heard so far. I want to talk first of all about federally regulated plans. T

Finance committee  The seven years would be the phase-in of the contributions, not the benefit. The benefit would be accrued, as any benefit of Canada Pension, on the amount of contributions you make for the amount of time you make them only.

Finance committee  Yes.

Finance committee  Within the mandate of the Canada Pension Plan now is the idea that you basically take out what you've put in. What we're saying is to keep that going but to raise the amount from 25% of the YMPE to 50%. You can double the benefit by raising the contribution by 40%. So for a 40% i

Finance committee  The one thing I wanted to say, sir, is that the minister said in his report that there's no poverty among seniors in this country.

Finance committee  Yes, he did, and I'd like to ask him where that 1.6 million seniors come in.

Finance committee  I will, certainly.

Finance committee  Yes.