Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I guess what I’m speaking about is fairness and
impartial decision making and analysis of some of these situations that have occurred.
To the issue of voluntary early retirement: I understand what the Minister is saying. They cannot be seen to be coercing people who have had many years of service into departing early. I understand that would be a human rights issue.
However, for those — I’m glad this is on the public record today — who would like to leave early, will the government approve that, even in the instance where it may cost some money? Because I think giving some people early retirement is going to cost less than the severance for some other people who’d like to stay.
And with the concurrence and approval of the rest of the Members of this House, I’d like to ask the Minister for the public record today if the government would be willing to expend the kind of money that would be necessary to allow people early retirement without any reduction or damage to their pension benefits, or added adjustment costs.