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 the government's spending and budget. The Conservatives criticized the Liberals for running high deficits and increasing costs, while the Liberals highlighted investments in trades training and support for workers. Much of the discussion consisted of partisan attacks and talking points rather than substantive debate on fiscal policy.

Official Hansard ↗

Jasraj Hallan

Conservative
“I want the Prime Minister to stop borrowing and spending so much money. His high deficit is costing taxpayers a lot in interest payments. He should spend less on debt and more on things people actually need like healthcare.”
Our translation 52% shorter

Hon. Patty Hajdu

Liberal
“I'm announcing that we will spend $6 billion dollars to create more skilled trade jobs. We will give up to $16,000 to people in apprenticeship programs. This is good news for workers. If you vote against this, you are voting against workers.”
Our translation 54% shorter

Jasraj Hallan

Conservative
“You say you're helping tradespeople, but Canadians have high unemployment, debt, and housing costs. I think the Prime Minister is a bad money manager just like Justin Trudeau was.”
Our translation 67% shorter

Hon. Patty Hajdu

Liberal
“Someone said something nice. Look, a endorsement! Forget the actual question about high costs. I want you to feel bad for criticizing me.”
Our translation 73% shorter

Mark Strahl

Conservative
“These Liberals spend too much. More spending means more debt and more taxes. It means higher prices and a worse economy. The Prime Minister needs to stop spending so people can afford to live.”
Our translation 64% shorter

Hon. Gregor Robertson

Liberal
“I'm ignoring your points about high costs and debt. Instead let me appeal to emotion by talking about young Canadians and affordable homes, while expanding a program that will cost a lot more money.”
Our translation 46% shorter

Mark Strahl

Conservative
“I don't want to talk about your program. I want to talk about you instead. Look how bad things are! I blame you.”
Our translation 78% shorter

Hon. Gregor Robertson

Liberal
“I don't want to answer that. I want to talk about how mean Conservatives are instead. They're so mean! Zero respect! But we're great. We'll deliver everything!”
Our translation 67% shorter

Scot Davidson

Conservative
“The government spends too much. People are maxed out. Why should Canadians pay for more debt and inflation?”
Our translation 76% shorter

Hon. John Zerucelli

Liberal
“I don't want to answer the question about high spending and debt. I will read a glowing review of our program instead. Workers like it!”
Our translation 74% shorter

Scot Davidson

Conservative
“I want the Prime Minister to admit his high spending is making debt and life worse for Canadians who aren't bankers.”
Our translation 74% shorter

Hon. John Zerucelli

Liberal
“I don't want to talk about our debt and spending. I just want to distract you with a glowing review I found that praises how much we're spending on training programs. Look everyone, we spent money! We must be doing a good job!”
Our translation 61% shorter

Jonathan Rowe

Conservative
“The other guys spend too much and it's making us poorer. Canadians pay more to bankers than for health care now. We should stop giving so much money to bankers and start putting it into health care instead.”
Our translation 59% shorter

Hon. Joanne Thompson

Liberal
“I want the member to stop criticizing us and praise our spending program instead. He should not read his prepared notes or enjoy political theatre. The school play is the place for that.”
Our translation 51% shorter