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 government finances and economic policy. Conservatives criticized high spending, deficits and debt under the Liberals, while Liberals defended their record and touted various investments and programs. Much of the debate consisted of partisan talking points and political attacks rather than substantive policy discussion.

Official Hansard ↗

Kyle Seeback

Conservative
“Trudeau and the Liberals have doubled Canada’s national debt in 11 years. We now spend more on interest than health. I want them to stop adding more debt for future generations.”
Our translation 64% shorter

Hon. John Zerucelli

Liberal
“I don't want to talk about the debt that previous speaker brought up. I just want to say nice things about spending and projects all over Canada.”
Our translation 71% shorter

Kyle Seeback

Conservative
“The Liberals are bad with money. They doubled the debt. They say they're investing, but really Canada is less affordable than ever. Their investments don't work. Our kids will be stuck with this debt.”
Our translation 75% shorter

Hon. John Zerucelli

Liberal
“The Conservatives say they support Canadians, but they vote against giving them money for programs and tax relief I want. That's not really support. They can't have it both ways.”
Our translation 63% shorter

Billy Morin

Conservative
“Mr. Speaker, businesses say the government is making promises but not really fixing the problem. I think the government spends too much. When will the government stop spending so much, so Canadians have more money for themselves?”
Our translation 61% shorter

Hon. Mélanie Joly

Liberal
“I want to cheer for our high spending. It is needed right now to help these workers. I will not talk about the cost or the debt.”
Our translation 74% shorter

Billy Morin

Conservative
“This government is spending too much. People are hurting. We need to stop wasting money and get our debt under control.”
Our translation 80% shorter

Ryan Turnbull

Liberal
“I want Canadians to feel optimistic about our future. The government will keep spending money to make the economy strong. The other party is too negative. The IMF says we're doing well.”
Our translation 70% shorter

Roman Baber

Conservative
“The Prime Minister spends too much and puts it all on the nation's credit card. Canadians will pay for his debts for generations. His spending causes inflation. Many Canadians now skip meals. An economist should know this. I want the Prime Minister to stop borrowing and spending so much so Canadians can afford to live.”
Our translation 26% shorter

Hon. Evan Solomon

Liberal
“You say bad things about our spending, but I will list good things. We do many good things with all that spending. You are wrong to complain.”
Our translation 75% shorter

Roman Baber

Conservative
“I say bad things are happening because the other party spends too much. The other party should spend less.”
Our translation 77% shorter

Hon. Adam van Koeverden

Liberal
“Don't look at all the spending and debt! Look at the nice things we bought with it instead.”
Our translation 81% shorter

Cheryl Gallant

Conservative
“The government is spending and borrowing too much! It's not helping real families. Stop picking winners and losers and driving up costs so high.”
Our translation 71% shorter

Ryan Turnbull

Liberal
“Don't listen to the mean Conservative. Look at all the money we're spending - that's got to be good, right?”
Our translation 82% shorter

Costas Menegakis

Conservative
“The Prime Minister spends too much. Canadians have it hard. More debt won't help. I want the Prime Minister to promise not to make the deficit worse than the already huge $31 billion left by Justin Trudeau.”
Our translation 58% shorter

Hon. Maninder Sidhu

Liberal
“I want taxpayers to spend money on programs and projects to create jobs. I listed the number of jobs each project will bring. More spending will make Canada strong.”
Our translation 62% shorter

Fraser Tolmie

Conservative
“The government is spending too much. This spending is not an investment, it's just to keep things running. Canadians are struggling with high prices and going to food banks. The Prime Minister should spend less so Canadians can afford to live.”
Our translation 58% shorter

Hon. Buckley Belanger

Liberal
“I have a list of spending items for Saskatchewan. I want you to think about how good these items are. Don't think about whether we can afford them or whether it's the government's job.”
Our translation 60% shorter