Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I seem to be getting mixed signals here. I heard the Member, earlier today, indicate that Members of this House and the public want the program restored. I also heard the Member say that a piece meal approach is wrong, and that Members will not support a rejigged or stop-gapped program. I am not sure whether the Member is recommending that I reinstate the program to the level at which it was last year or, as I understood from the Social Programs Committee, to look for a manner to make sure the program was carried out in the 1997/98 year at a funding level similar to that which is in the current year's budget. It is difficult for me to respond without having some clarity. I would also like to point out that it was only Friday that I met with the Seniors Advisory Council. They indicated that they thought they would be willing to come forward with some suggestions in relatively short order. I asked them to make sure that it was very quick so that if we are able to identify funds to continue this program, we can announce it sooner, rather than later. I think it would be far better to wait to get some advice from the seniors on the design of a program before saying that I will restore the program to the former levels.

-- Applause