What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

8 latest topics

Oral Questions

International Trade

A debate on international trade issues, specifically U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and lumber, and Canada-US trade negotiations. The Conservatives accused the Liberal government of inaction amid rising U.S. tariffs and insufficient progress on trade talks, while the Liberals insisted they are prepared to negotiate a good deal for Canada and touted their commitment to the Canada-US relationship.

Official Hansard ↗

Mel Arnold

Conservative
“The Prime Minister is failing on U.S. tariffs! He does nothing while they go up and up! When will he get results?”
Our translation 76% shorter

Hon. Steven MacKinnon

Liberal
“We're ready to make a deal with the U.S. But not just any deal - one that's good for Canada. Unlike the Conservatives, who just want us to take whatever we can get.”
Our translation 62% shorter

Mel Arnold

Conservative
“The Prime Minister messed up. He should have gotten us a trade deal last year. Instead he gave up our leverage, skipped work, and let Mexico get ahead. Why didn't he use our strong position at the start to get tariffs off Canadian goods?”
Our translation 49% shorter

Hon. Maninder Sidhu

Liberal
“I'm filling time by talking about my work history. I say we need a team Canada approach. The Conservatives wanted to give in and take any deal in 2018.”
Our translation 67% shorter