What they said. What they meant.

“I want to stop debate and pass Government Business No. 9 now.”

“My government won more seats, so we should get more power everywhere else too. Precedent says a majority government gets to dominate every part of Parliament. That's the rule we always use.”

“I don't like your accusation that we stole a majority. Many Canadians agree with our agenda. The government must move quickly to insulate Canada against world events and trade shocks. We are strong and resolute leaders who are there for Canadians and their jobs. The government should keep controlling and directing the economy.”

“I want to help the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons argue that a majority government not controlling committees would be unprecedented. I'm asking him to give an example to show that what we are doing is normal and justified.”

“I want to agree with my friend that our situation is unusual. A government changing status during its mandate is highly unusual. I'm saying we couldn't find any comparable examples. I'm implying that what's happening now is justified because our situation is so unusual.”

“I want you to ignore that the other party's amendment would actually keep committees representative and let them scrutinize us. I'll just say it offends Westminster tradition and all committees are equal. I'll even praise that their rights and powers are still intact. That should get you off this topic.”

“I want to make a big showy speech about our finest traditions. I'm speaking very seriously so everyone knows this is important. If I talk a lot about respecting precedent and upholding our institutions, maybe it will make people forget I'm actually advancing a proposal to change those traditions and precedents so my party gets a bigger majority on committees than we actually won in the House. I'm glossing over that part.”

“I'm filling time by reeling off some substance-free talking points about how many big problems my party is bravely tackling all at once. The specifics don't actually matter -- I just want the Liberals to come off as serious problem-solvers. And my real message is that any Conservative MP thinking of crossing the floor to our side is welcome. I'm spinning that as us being the positive, can-do team... without saying anything too concrete.”

“I'm filling time with process words like 'reasonably simple' and 'different perspectives', plus some parliament jargon. The real message is: 'We want committee seats set our way, no more debate, so we can get back to controlling things already.'”

“I'm filling time with kind words about democracy and tradition. I'm not actually answering whether changing the rules fits those nice words.”

“I want to change the subject to nice things about the Prime Minister instead of talking about the motion we're supposed to be debating.”

“I want you to agree that our traditions and democracy are very, very important. The real traditions and democracy I mean are passing what we want and getting on with our plan.”

“I assert that the rules, traditions and conventions which formed over the years are enough evidence that we have built a good country. I think people want us to continue along the path proposed by the government.”

“I want to cheer for past cooperation in committees. I don't think any of that will change now. I want to argue that we are keeping the same rules and traditions that worked before, so using the current House composition in committees is the democratic way to get things done.”

“I want to argue about the words 'two tiers' even though everyone knows some committees handle legislation and others don't. I'll say committees control their own agenda to make it sound like everything is normal and fair. I'm avoiding the point that we're stacking the deck.”

“I want you to agree with my plan. If you don't agree you must not respect people or democracy. I think my plan will make people trust us more.”

“I want you to think we agree, but I'm not going to change anything. Committees can keep doing their job. The government will still be in charge.”

“I want the government to get its way in committees. The other side's ideas are bad traditions. Our traditions are good traditions.”

“I want the government to get its way in committees. Chairs should not settle debates. I will remove an opposition member if needed.”

“Calling it a supermajority is an American term. I don't like you saying that. All majorities are equally legitimate. We need to work together.”