International Trade committee  The answer to that rests with the people who are involved in the discussions. Yes, we would love to see you include this as part of any trade negotiation. However, I listened to all the other witnesses, and basically what I'm hearing is that every one of these witnesses this morning is trying to get a level playing field for their association.

International Trade committee  Just recently, basically since Brexit has happened, Canada has made an official request again to the British government that this situation with the frozen pensions be addressed. As it sits at the moment, the British government has not responded, which is, as was pointed out the other day in the U.K.

International Trade committee  Anything that would not bring this into a level playing field for all pensioners around the world is going to be a concern. The situation that exists right now under the European Union, where they've agreed to continue to index pensions, was basically to save face. For most of the people living in Europe, who are much closer to the United Kingdom, if they found out their pensions were going to be frozen, it would be very easy for them to return to the U.K. and put an awful lot of pressure on the health system, because we are seniors, and on housing and everything else.

International Trade committee  Certainly, thank you for the question. Currently, because of the policy, the fact that there are no pensions being indexed here, we all have to pay taxes in Canada. With the 136,000 people who have been denied their rightful pension, it means that our incomes are obviously reduced and, therefore, we're not paying the taxes in Canada.

International Trade committee  We feel that momentum to end this policy is now on our side. Please use your voices to help us. Thank you. I would be pleased to answer any questions.

International Trade committee  Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you to all committee members for the opportunity to address you today. I am sure many of you are wondering why I have been given the opportunity to speak to a committee formed to discuss future trade agreements between the U.K. and Canada. I hope in the next few minutes to clearly explain why we feel there is an important connection.