What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

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Oral Questions

Finance

A debate on government finances. The Conservatives criticized the Liberals for increasing debt and spending, while the Liberals touted Canada's economic growth and announced a new sovereign wealth fund.

Official Hansard ↗
“I have some good news that makes the government look good. We're creating a new fund to spend more of Canadians' money on big projects all across the country. The government will control the funding and pick the projects. This will make Canada look different from other G7 countries.”
Our translation 44% shorter
“Good news! The International Monetary Fund says Canada is growing faster than Germany, Japan, and Italy. And we're starting a sovereign wealth fund so Canadians can build the country together. This is good news that makes our government look effective.”
Our translation 49% shorter
“I have good news. I'll create a giant government fund to control big projects across Canada. Let's spend lots of money together!”
Our translation 78% shorter
“The economy is fine. The opposition leader just doesn't get it. We'll grow the economy by spending more.”
Our translation 83% shorter

Hon. Steven MacKinnon

Liberal
“I want you to say clearly which of our big spending programs you think cause inflation. Is it the child benefit? The disabilities? The dental plan? The groceries? Pensions? Which one?”
Our translation 65% shorter

Hon. Steven MacKinnon

Liberal
“I want to spend a lot of money on a high-speed rail project. I'm going to ignore his question about inflationary spending and just list some programs that I like instead.”
Our translation 66% shorter