Human Resources committee  Well, there's a “but” there.

Human Resources committee  I don't think it went nearly as far as it could have or should have. I would simply urge the government to go further in that direction, precisely because when you invest in an RRSP, you have to make all these decisions—do I want this, do I want that—and you buy into some sort of

Human Resources committee  Yes, sure. Thank you. I want to emphasize that I think the pooled registered savings plan was definitely a step in the right direction. I think the government should be commended for that.

Human Resources committee  I want to emphasize that I'm here to be fair.

Human Resources committee  The world could be a much better place, I agree. First of all, income splitting is I think partly a philosophical issue, and I don't want to get into that. I'd rather focus my response on the other issue. The tax-free savings plan I think in principle is a good thing, but I thi

Human Resources committee  As an economist, I would be reluctant to adopt such a policy. I am in favour of the government intervening when it's necessary, but the idea of forcing a price or something of that nature...

Human Resources committee  That's right. Finding an alternative would eliminate such a problem.

Human Resources committee  I am not an expert in the organization of finances. I am not working on this matter, so I cannot give an opinion on it.

Human Resources committee  Thank you. I'm right on track. One of the properties of these plans, if properly designed, is that they can also have a lot of the properties of a very flexible plan. Let's say you have been putting this money in all these years, you hit age 65, and 2008 happens all over again.

Human Resources committee  Sure. Thank you very much. Do I have about ten minutes?

Human Resources committee  Thank you very much. First of all, it's a delight to be here. I think these issues are hugely important to the future well-being of the country and its economic prosperity, both in terms of the macro economy and also in terms of individual well-being. I think I'm invited here

Human Resources committee  Be quiet, this is my time.

Human Resources committee  We've known each other a long time. There are basically two points I want to make. The first one is very short and in passing. It's about mandatory retirement. It's a classic case for economists. Mandatory retirement has certain properties, and when you mess with it, you wind up