“The world is facing tough economic times, but Canada has the lowest debt in the G7. We are spending money to protect Canadians. I want the member to say what services she would cut to lower our debt even more.”

“Mr. Speaker, Albertans know, of course, like all Canadians do, that we are in very uncertain times globally. The world is in a tumultuous place, but fortunately Canada enters this with the strongest debt situation in the G7. That is a fantastic place to be in when we are in difficult times. Now we are spending to make sure we are protecting Canadians from these dangerous headwinds. I would ask my colleague this: What are the cuts she would propose that would allow us to meet her objective of reducing what is already the lowest net debt and one of the lowest deficits in the G7?”

“Canada has low debt and strong economic growth compared to other major countries. We are cutting $40 billion in spending, but we are spending $60 billion on the military. Does the member really want us to cut funding for our soldiers?”

“Mr. Speaker, perhaps my colleague did not hear the Minister of Finance this morning highlight the fact that the International Monetary Fund has reaffirmed that Canada has the best debt position in the G7 and that we have the second-fastest growing economy in the G7. The member asked for the government to be able to make tough choices. Our comprehensive expenditure review is going to save the taxpayers of this country $40 billion, but some of the spending we are doing is about supporting the Canadian Armed Forces. Is the member suggesting we should not spend $60 billion to support our men and women in uniform? Is that the position of the Conservative Party?”

“Times are tough in Canada and around the world. Our government is working hard to help Canadians, grow the economy, and find new trade partners.”

“Mr. Speaker, these are very serious times in our country, in fact globally. Canadians understand that we are living through a precarious time and that we have to work extremely hard to ensure that we build our economy and invest in Canadians so they are supported through these difficult times. Canadians deserve serious leadership, and that is precisely what the Prime Minister and the government are doing: We are investing in Canadians as a bridge to a better future tomorrow. That is the work we are doing, whether it is the work we are doing in diversifying our economy here in Canada and opening new countries as places to—”

• Little substance
  ?

  Government answer in Question Period

  Signal 0 of 100

  Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.

  See full analysis →
• Vague
  ?

  Government answer in Question Period

  Clarity 33 of 100

  Much of this statement used imprecise wording, lacked details on timing or responsibility, or made broad claims without support.

  See full analysis →