What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

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Government Orders

Business of Supply

A debate on the government's proposal for a 'Canada Strong' sovereign wealth fund, which the opposition argues is not a real sovereign wealth fund since the government has no budget surplus to fund it with. The Conservatives and Bloc both criticized it heavily as expensive, based on debt not surplus, and likely to distort markets by having government pick winners and losers. The Liberals defended it as far-sighted leadership investing in Canadian growth and potential.

Official Hansard ↗

Hon. Kevin Lamoureux

Liberal
“I trust the Major Projects Office. The sovereign wealth fund could be good. They might spend money on things other than pipelines. I want the NDP to support the fund. I don't know if they support it or not. I hope they will.”
Our translation 59% shorter

Anthony Housefather

Liberal
“I want to cheer for Canada's performance. I don't like that you ignore some statistics but use others. I think that's a contradiction.”
Our translation 80% shorter

Hon. Kevin Lamoureux

Liberal
“I don't care about all of your numbers. I'm sure Canada is near the top when you compare us to other countries. It doesn't matter exactly where we rank. I feel good about where we are.”
Our translation 57% shorter

Hon. Kevin Lamoureux

Liberal
“Don't listen to that guy. Everything is fine. The government is doing a great job. Canada is the best country in the world and always will be.”
Our translation 56% shorter

Hon. Kevin Lamoureux

Liberal
“I think Canadians will agree with us even if Bloc and Conservatives don't. This fund will mean lots of jobs and money. We should go ahead with it.”
Our translation 76% shorter

Hon. Kevin Lamoureux

Liberal
“I don't like what Conservatives say. They always say government should do less. I want the government to do more big things that cost a lot.”
Our translation 80% shorter

Hon. Arielle Kayabaga

Liberal
“You Conservatives just oppose everything we do. You vote against our ideas so you must be against Canada. Everything we say is for Canada. Why do you keep voting against Canada?”
Our translation 60% shorter