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 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 ↗

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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