“The government spends too much. It makes debt and inflation. The Prime Minister spends a lot. He doubles Trudeau's deficit. He adds billions in new spending. Then debt costs us billions every year. More than health transfers! A big institute says spending too much hurts our economy. I think spending too much makes Canadians poor. I want the government to stop reckless spending. Will next week's fiscal update doom Canadians to more of the same?”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
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Oral Questions
Finance
During a House of Commons Finance debate, Conservatives criticized the Liberal government's spending and debt levels, arguing it is driving up costs for Canadians. Most of the discussion consisted of partisan sparring, with Liberals citing positive economic assessments and challenging Conservatives to specify what spending they would cut, while Conservatives repeatedly cited large spending and debt figures, and accused Liberals of fiscal mismanagement.
“I don't want to answer the question. I will just say our party is great and everything will be fine.”
“Government spends too much. Inflation is high. I want the Prime Minister to spend less.”
“The IMF said something nice about Canada. The weather is nice today. I am just filling time and associating myself with good things.”
“The Prime Minister says affordability is the best in 10 years. But his government spends $90 billion more and pays $55 billion interest each year. Canadians pay more for houses, food, and transportation. Experts say we are in a fiscal fantasy. Is he going to spend even more? Will he raise the cost of living more for families?”
“You're asking the wrong question. Look over here instead. We have a fact from the IMF. I think you should tell your voters about it.”
“I have a sad story. Now I'm saying the government is making costs and debt go up. Stop making it worse.”
“That guy voted against our spending. I want him to say what he would cut.”
“The government says it will spend less, but Finance Canada admits the plan won't spend less. Net new spending is $90 billion. Interest on the debt is now more than we spend on health transfers. Canadians pay $3,300 per family for this. What will the government tell Canadians in the fiscal update? Will it be more of the same?”
“You talk about spending cuts. But I won't say what spending I want to cut. I just want to make you look bad. Do you want to cancel these popular programs? Go ahead, say it out loud.”
“The government spent too much, and it caused problems. Canadians have less money because the government takes too much. The government should spend less so people can buy things they need.”
“I want to cheer for popular programs my party created. I want voters to feel these spending promises are at risk. If I scare voters about losing benefits they might keep voting for us.”