What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

8 latest topics

Government Orders

Canadian Space Launch Act

A bill to establish a legislative framework for space launch activities in Canada, including regulation, liability, and emergency authorities. During discussion, some members focused on the bill's lack of specificity and potential for broad regulatory discretion, while others discussed its potential economic impact and the government's past failures to invest in certain sectors.

Official Hansard ↗

Hon. Kevin Lamoureux

Liberal
“I like that you might support this bill. I want this bill to pass quickly so the government can claim a win. I hint you should help us rush this through.”
Our translation 74% shorter

Hon. Bardish Chagger

Liberal
“I want to appear reasonable, so I won't argue about the bill's length. Instead, I'll try to corner you into agreeing that we must pass this bill to keep Canada in the space game.”
Our translation 56% shorter

Hon. Kevin Lamoureux

Liberal
“I want this bill to pass. The government wants to talk about jobs and GDP. I want the opposition to agree and say nice things about the bill. I want the government to look good.”
Our translation 72% shorter

Steeve Lavoie

Liberal
“I'm celebrating my first year as an MP. I thank my staff and family. I mention Earth Day and the Artemis II mission. Canada has been a leader in space. Canada should develop its own space launch capability. The UK has done this and it created many jobs. Right now Canada must rely on other countries to launch satellites. This costs money and creates delays. Many parts of the Canadian economy rely on satellites. The space industry is growing fast. This bill will let Canada create its own space launch industry. It could add $40 billion to Canada's economy and create many jobs in Nova Scotia. It will make Canada more competitive and sovereign.”
Our translation 91% shorter

Steeve Lavoie

Liberal
“I want this bill to pass quickly so that Canada can get investments for future generations. We are making long-term investments in the space sector which is growing rapidly. Canadians expect us to make quick decisions and be ready for the future.”
Our translation 63% shorter

Hon. Kevin Lamoureux

Liberal
“I agree with my colleague's comments. Quebec, Manitoba, and Ontario have strong aerospace industries. Quebec leads in space development. I think this bill will help those industries grow. Can my colleague share his thoughts on how this bill will benefit the aerospace industry in Quebec?”
Our translation 52% shorter

Steeve Lavoie

Liberal
“I'm filling time with kind words and saying nothing anyone could pin down later. I agree Canada should spend more money on my preferred program. I want the government to do more in space. Canada is behind other countries. Satellites are important and we don't have our own. This is about sovereignty which people have been talking about a lot. The government should do something short-, medium-, and long-term.”
Our translation 38% shorter

Hon. Kevin Lamoureux

Liberal
“That's right, I want this bill to pass so the government can claim it is helping. I want Canada to launch from Canada in 2028. This bill will secure Canada's future and create jobs.”
Our translation 57% shorter

Steeve Lavoie

Liberal
“I want this bill to pass so taxpayers will spend money on space. I want to talk a lot about how special and innovative this spending will be. I want the government to pass this bill quickly so the spending can start.”
Our translation 33% shorter

Mike Kelloway

Liberal
“I want this bill to pass because I want Canada to have its own space launch program. Nova Scotia is the best place for this program. If we don't pass this bill, other countries will take the lead and Canada will fall behind.”
Our translation 96% shorter

Mike Kelloway

Liberal
“I like you, but I'm going to ignore your pointed question. Our bill must be good because it follows international standards. Let's just get it passed. Our talented transportation committee can study this problem you're worried about later. We can look at security whenever, after the bill.”
Our translation 52% shorter

Mike Kelloway

Liberal
“I say nice things about Quebec now since you asked. This bill will help Quebec too. Quebec has skilled aerospace workers. This framework touches all provinces.”
Our translation 70% shorter

Hon. Darren Fisher

Liberal
“I want my colleague from Nova Scotia to say why Nova Scotia is a good place for this space project. I want him to say why space companies should come to Nova Scotia. I want him to explain what is special about Nova Scotia that makes it a good place for space businesses.”
Our translation 41% shorter

Mike Kelloway

Liberal
“I want companies to launch satellites from Canso, Nova Scotia. I want to say many people and groups support this. I want to criticize the Conservatives for not supporting this.”
Our translation 64% shorter

Mike Kelloway

Liberal
“I have no idea when you'll get answers. I want this bill to pass and I'm going to praise it instead of answering you.”
Our translation 70% shorter

Hon. Kevin Lamoureux

Liberal
“We need to pass this bill now because it will create jobs and grow the economy! If you oppose the bill, you're holding back Canada's space industry.”
Our translation 71% shorter

Steeve Lavoie

Liberal
“I don't want to answer your criticisms. I want to say nice things so people like me. Then I want you to agree with this bill. If you don't it means you're against investing in the future.”
Our translation 79% shorter

Marianne Dandurand

Liberal
“I want to change the subject to benefits. Please say nice things about my benefits.”
Our translation 80% shorter

Jaime Battiste

Liberal
“I want the Canadian Space Launch Act to pass. It would help my riding and create jobs. The government invested $200 million in a spaceport in my area. The space industry is growing fast. If we don't pass this, companies might take their innovation and jobs to other countries. Satellites are important infrastructure. We need to be able to launch, maintain, and replace them. I'm grateful this will help my riding. The Conservatives oppose it but I think it's good for Nova Scotia.”
Our translation 93% shorter

Jaime Battiste

Liberal
“I want the government to spend money so Canada can launch its own rockets. Don't question the cost. It's for safety and security. My riding gets money from this program.”
Our translation 72% shorter