What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

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Oral Questions

International Trade

A debate on international trade, mainly with the US. The Conservatives criticized the government for failing to make a trade deal, resulting in increased tariffs on Canadian goods. The Liberals defended their approach, saying they are consulting with provinces and industries and focusing on trade diversification, while accusing the Conservatives of talking down the economy.

Official Hansard ↗

Connie Cody

Conservative
“The Prime Minister promised a trade deal. He didn't deliver. Now we have more tariffs. Workers are paying. I think the Prime Minister makes promises he can't keep. I don't like that. I want the Prime Minister to deliver what he promises.”
Our translation 63% shorter

Hon. Evan Solomon

Liberal
“I want taxpayers to spend more money. I don't like that other party. They talk bad about these programs.”
Our translation 85% shorter

Fred Davies

Conservative
“The Prime Minister isn't fixing this. My riding needs that trade. He should do something.”
Our translation 86% shorter

Hon. Ali Ehsassi

Liberal
“I'm filling time with kind words and saying nothing anyone could pin down later. My government created another committee. That makes us look engaged.”
Our translation 70% shorter

Hon. Rob Moore

Conservative
“I want to blame the Prime Minister for a bad economy. I want him to hurry up on a trade deal. I think he isn't trying hard enough.”
Our translation 62% shorter

Hon. Ali Ehsassi

Liberal
“I answer question now. We do lots of things. We talk to lots of people. It will be very very good.”
Our translation 72% shorter

Kyle Seeback

Conservative
“The government is not doing enough. People lost their jobs. It's bad. The Liberals don't care.”
Our translation 87% shorter

Hon. Maninder Sidhu

Liberal
“I'm filling airtime with scattered trade factoids, not saying anything concrete that I could be pinned down on later.”
Our translation 83% shorter

Kyle Seeback

Conservative
“The Liberals say they signed a trade deal -- but it's tiny. They still aren't negotiating on tariffs that affect 2.6 million jobs! When will they try to protect those jobs?”
Our translation 73% shorter

Hon. Tim Hodgson

Liberal
“I want people to give me credit for spending lots of taxpayer money on projects in many places.”
Our translation 78% shorter