What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

8 latest topics

Oral Questions

Finance

A debate on federal finances and spending. The Conservatives criticized the Liberals for running high deficits and increasing the national debt, arguing that this has driven up inflation and made life less affordable for Canadians. The Liberals countered that their spending is targeted at helping Canadians and that Canada has the strongest economy and fiscal position in the G7. Both sides traded partisan jabs but focused on substance, disputing the merits of federal spending and its economic impact rather than getting sidetracked on other topics.

Official Hansard ↗

Rhonda Kirkland

Conservative
“My riding can't afford more inflation or debt. Does the PM promise to stop the spending spree?”
Our translation 80% shorter

Hon. Adam van Koeverden

Liberal
“The Conservatives don't get it. Spending on this stuff is good. We should totally do more of it. It helps people, man.”
Our translation 81% shorter

Rhonda Kirkland

Conservative
“Hey, big spender! You think you're doing a good job? Think again. Oshawa families are struggling because of you. Time to get your act together and lower prices.”
Our translation 76% shorter

Hon. Evan Solomon

Liberal
“I want you to think the other guys bad. Look bad! Everything we do is good and helps everyone. The bad guys don't help anyone. We good! Them bad!”
Our translation 71% shorter

Aaron Gunn

Conservative
“The Prime Minister spends too much. He borrows money and ignores the consequences. He promised to do better but he's making it worse. The Prime Minister needs to stop spending so much. This massive debt hurts future generations. When will he stop spending and stop leaving others with the bill?”
Our translation 52% shorter

Hon. Wayne Long

Liberal
“Our Prime Minister spends a lot of money. We tax a bit less and spend a bit more. Spending always helps the economy. We pause some taxes sometimes. Our Prime Minister makes deals with other countries. Those deals are good. They bring in lots of money and create lots of jobs. That's how you build a strong economy.”
Our translation 42% shorter

Aaron Gunn

Conservative
“The Liberals spend too much. They think more spending fixes everything. More spending, more programs, more debt. It causes inflation. It makes everything cost more. The worst in the G7. The Prime Minister doesn't get it. The Liberals are the problem. They need to spend less.”
Our translation 51% shorter

Hon. Maninder Sidhu

Liberal
“Mr. Speaker, I don't want to talk about our inflation or debt. Look, a shiny new thing! We spent a lot of money on a port, and on nuclear and natural gas. We created some jobs. It's good for the economy. Paycheques and cranes! That's all you need to know.”
Our translation 30% shorter

Greg McLean

Conservative
“I want less government debt. It makes Canadians pay more in interest every year. The government takes people's money and calls it help. Government debt causes inflation and reduces the spending power of all of us. Liberals don't work for Canadians. They work for big international banks. I want them to work for Canadians.”
Our translation 37% shorter

Hon. Tim Hodgson

Liberal
“I want to brag about Canada's economy and debt rating. Conservatives don't know how to balance a budget.”
Our translation 51% shorter

Greg McLean

Conservative
“Canada is the worst in the G7 on housing costs and food inflation. Liberal policies failed Canadians. The government keeps spending and borrowing with no limit. Liberals need to stop overspending.”
Our translation 73% shorter

Hon. Tim Hodgson

Liberal
“I'm going to list many projects to make us look productive. I hope this distracts from the actual question.”
Our translation 73% shorter

Rosemarie Falk

Conservative
“The Prime Minister spends too much and now Canadians suffer the consequences. When will he stop?”
Our translation 82% shorter

Hon. Buckley Belanger

Liberal
“I'm filling time. Liberals have done some things I like. Those other guys didn't do enough for my region.”
Our translation 70% shorter

Kelly DeRidder

Conservative
“Mr. Speaker, you're right, those Saskatchewan politicians don't have much to show for the last decade. But this Prime Minister is no better! He promised Canadians the moon, but all he's delivered is more spending, more deficits, and more pain for hardworking families. He's doubled Trudeau's debt while promising to cut it at the same time! When will this Prime Minister's actions finally match his big talk, and when will he get this spending under control?”
Our translation 10% shorter

Hon. Stephanie McLean

Liberal
“I'm filling time by accusing you of not caring about Canadians. I say we're spending money on Canadians because they want us to. The Conservatives just don't understand how finances work.”
Our translation 74% shorter

Chris Lewis

Conservative
“A person in my riding says life is getting more expensive. The Prime Minister spent $90 billion and it's making everything worse. He's just a typical Liberal. When will he stop spending so much and do something real about the deficit?”
Our translation 49% shorter

Hon. Kody Blois

Liberal
“The IMF says Canada's finances are strong. We're growing the economy. Our budget review is saving money. We spent a lot on our military. I thought Conservatives liked that. We'll keep supporting our troops.”
Our translation 70% shorter