What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

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Oral Questions

Small Business

A debate about small businesses struggling in Canada. The Conservatives raised concerns about excessive regulation and businesses shutting down, while the Liberals discussed round-table discussions and export readiness. The Liberals claimed to be reducing red tape, but offered no specifics.

Official Hansard ↗

Sandra Cobena

Conservative
“Businesses are dying. It's an emergency. The government is in the way. They should stop.”
Our translation 84% shorter

Marie-Gabrielle Ménard

Liberal
“I want to look like I care about small business. A million businesses sounds like a big number. I went to some meetings. We'll help some companies sell things to other countries. There's a plan for companies that make weapons. We paused a tax. A business group liked that.”
Our translation 35% shorter

Sandra Cobena

Conservative
“Businesses are drowning in rules and fees. The cost of government is $52 billion. I want less red tape, spending and taxes now.”
Our translation 74% shorter

Marie-Gabrielle Ménard

Liberal
“I give businesses hope by reducing their red tape. Let me consult them and celebrate my transformation. Never mind the rest.”
Our translation 72% shorter