“I want to blame the other party for high debt and spending. I want the government to spend less.”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
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Oral Questions
Finance
A debate about government spending and deficits. The Conservatives criticized the high levels of spending and debt, while the Liberals defended their spending on various programs and benefits, asking the Conservatives what specific cuts they would make.
“You asked what I will cut. But what will you cut? You tell me.”
“Government spending is out of control. You've added $90 billion in new spending and we're paying more in interest than the GST brings in or health transfers. Every family is paying $3,300 a year in interest. Will you change course in the fiscal update or make Canadians pay even more for Liberal spending?”
“I'm going to pretend your question is unreasonable because I don't want to answer it.”
“Government spends too much. Highest since 1996. More debt, inflation, interest rates. Families have less money. I want government to spend less so people keep more money.”
“I'm going to list off a bunch of popular spending programs. Maybe if I rattle them off fast enough nobody will notice I'm avoiding the actual question about inflation.”
“Too much spending is bad. The government is spending too much and adding to Canadians' debt. I want the government to spend less.”
“You want those things to cost less? But I want my programs. You want to stop spending? You'd hurt people in your own riding.”