What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

8 latest topics

Government Orders

Business of Supply

A bill to remove federal barriers to interprovincial trade and improve labour mobility within Canada. It also establishes a Building Canada Fund to support projects deemed to be in the national interest. During debate, members discussed the government's plan to create a sovereign wealth fund and whether it would attract private investment, but provided few details on how the fund would actually operate.

Official Hansard ↗

Hon. Michelle Rempel Garner

Conservative
“I'm making a big deal about predicting disaster. I want taxpayers to spend less money. I don't like the government's track record. I want the government to admit this is a bad idea and vote for our motion today.”
Our translation 77% shorter

Eric Lefebvre

Conservative
“I don't like the idea of a $25 billion fund paid for by borrowing. We already have the Canada Infrastructure Bank for big projects. I think more bureaucracy is a bad idea. I want to know who will be responsible for deciding how to spend this money. I am afraid politicians will use it to reward their friends. I think the government should stop spending so much of other people's money.”
Our translation 90% shorter

Eric Lefebvre

Conservative
“I don't like this fund. It's risky. Taxpayers will pay for losses. We should use the money better. Help families. Fix infrastructure. Don't make a new fund. I am against this fund.”
Our translation 93% shorter

Hon. Jean-Yves Duclos

Liberal
“I want to look like I agree with you. We should spend more. But I don't like you saying no to our fund. I don't like you saying Canada can't do it. I want you to stop saying that.”
Our translation 52% shorter

Eric Lefebvre

Conservative
“I don't trust this government with money. The Liberals spend too much. They doubled the debt! Canadians' money is not safe with them.”
Our translation 63% shorter

Xavier Barsalou-Duval

Bloc Québécois
“The Prime Minister wants to control what this new fund invests in. He will pick the projects. The government is telling people to put their money in it. Does my colleague want to hand over his own money for the Prime Minister to play favorites with?”
Our translation 60% shorter

Eric Lefebvre

Conservative
“I'm not rich like the Prime Minister. My money is my own business. We say Canadians should have freedom to choose. So let them decide what to do with their own money.”
Our translation 46% shorter

Hon. Kevin Lamoureux

Liberal
“I'm disappointed that the Conservatives don't want a national wealth fund. A wealth fund is an opportunity for Canadians to participate and for the government to help the economy. The Conservatives just want the government to get out of the way. I think the Conservatives care more about their party than about Canadians. Why won't they support what many people want?”
Our translation 54% shorter

Eric Lefebvre

Conservative
“The government is adding more layers and structures. We already have the Canada Infrastructure Bank. I want the government to use existing tools instead of adding more bureaucracy and spending.”
Our translation 57% shorter