Senator Gold: Thank you for your question. In law, we had an expression called res ipsa loquitur. That is probably the best answer that I could give to your question.

This government is very engaged in helping Canadians get through this very difficult time. It is taking real, tangible and concrete steps grounded in real-world people’s needs and in real-world approaches to issues that in many cases transcend our borders.

We have enhanced the Canada workers benefit at a cost of $1.7 billion in new support for workers this year. It puts up to $2,400 into the pockets of low-income families. That’s real help for Canadians, and that’s the government acting responsibly.

There was a 10% increase in Old Age Security for seniors over 75; a $500 payment this year for nearly 1 million Canadian households that are struggling with the cost of housing; child care costs cut by 50%; dental care for Canadians who are earning less than $90,000; the indexation of benefits for the Canada Child Benefit, GST credit, Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement; and the federal minimum wage increased to $15 an hour.

These are concrete examples of this government acting responsibly — not looking for scapegoats for political purposes.

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