What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

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Government Orders

Strong and Free Elections Act

A bill to change election rules, with provisions like prohibiting foreign influence and false information in elections, changing political contribution rules, and increasing penalties for election violations. Members talked about the bill's measures on topics like political financing, foreign interference, and protecting personal information, and procedural wrangling over a long-standing controversy about ballot committee deposit rules.

Official Hansard ↗

Peter Schiefke

Liberal
“I want you to take your complaints to the committee, not to me.”
Our translation 71% shorter

Hon. Kevin Lamoureux

Liberal
“I want you to help sell the fear that current technology is so dangerous it justifies letting the government police speech and ban videos. Do not suggest that government might abuse this broad new power.”
Our translation 68% shorter

Peter Schiefke

Liberal
“I really want this bill to pass so I can tell myself I'm keeping elections safe for my son. He's 11 -- won't someone think of the children? I'm filling time with kind words about my son so you'll support this bill and make me feel like I'm protecting him.”
Our translation 63% shorter

Elizabeth May

Green
“I want your party to spend taxpayer money to help my party win more votes.”
Our translation 80% shorter