Finance committee  Generally speaking, the federal budget was well received by the Union des consommateurs, especially because it announced or implemented a number of social measures. Naturally, pharmacare and dental care are of great interest to us, as are the various measures on housing, specifically affordable housing.

Finance committee  We also need to talk about free medication, which we don't have right now in Quebec. Premiums are paid on a monthly basis, at the beginning of the year and with every transaction. These premiums mean that even people who are insured go without medication, or take it less frequently.

Finance committee  I'd like to add something.

Finance committee  On the matter of criminal interest rates, what we want above all is for the reduced rate to be adopted as soon as possible. For us, this is a priority. Obviously, the projected targets are higher than we'd like, but there's nonetheless an appetite for rapidly lowering the current rate.

Finance committee  The first point to consider is the fact that income replacement rates were lowered in the past. We believe that we should return to historical levels, which were higher. That would mean increasing the income replacement benefit. The second point deals with the penalty imposed on people who leave their jobs voluntarily.

Finance committee  Ladies and gentlemen of the committee, good morning. My name is Maxime Dorais, and I'm co-CEO of Union des consommateurs. I would first like to thank Mr. Gabriel Ste‑Marie for inviting us to appear before the committee to present our analysis of Bill C‑59. First, let me introduce you to our organization.