What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

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Oral Questions

Finance

A debate in the House of Commons on the federal budget and government spending. The Conservatives accused the Liberals of running up the national credit card with excessive spending, while the Liberals defended their investments and accused the Conservatives of opposing job creation and economic growth.

Official Hansard ↗

Hon. David McGuinty

Liberal
“The government is spending lots of money. Lots of money on many projects. So many jobs created. I want people to cheer our spending. Stop asking questions and cheer our projects.”
Our translation 71% shorter

Hon. Maninder Sidhu

Liberal
“I want to cheer for big government projects. The government should spend lots of money on these programs.”
Our translation 77% shorter

Corey Hogan

Liberal
“You talk a lot about prices and deficits. But we have the best fiscal position. We are spending on programs. Why don't you say what you want to cut instead of talking about debt and inflation.”
Our translation 73% shorter

Corey Hogan

Liberal
“I'm changing the subject. I won't answer about the debt. I'll list nice-sounding programs instead.”
Our translation 80% shorter

Hon. Rebecca Chartrand

Liberal
“I'm dodging the question about spending and deficits by listing a bunch of economic activities the government is involved in. I want to make it look like the opposition is against good jobs and a strong economy if they criticize our spending.”
Our translation 40% shorter

Hon. Rebecca Chartrand

Liberal
“You must want bad things if you won't cheer for my program. Just agree with me.”
Our translation 50% shorter

Hon. Rebecca Chartrand

Liberal
“I want to claim my government is getting things done. I don't want people to think about whether those things actually work. The other party voted against my party's plans. Everyone should agree with my party.”
Our translation 60% shorter

Hon. Jill McKnight

Liberal
“I will list many spending promises. I want you to think that means we are doing a good job. I don't want to talk about whether people can afford food.”
Our translation 66% shorter

Corey Hogan

Liberal
“I want to defend our government spending. We are investing in people! Albertans should be happy we signed an agreement with them. I don't know why the Conservatives aren't excited about this. The government is doing good things!”
Our translation 62% shorter

Hon. Buckley Belanger

Liberal
“Don't compare us to good government. Compare us to the Conservatives. They did nothing for eight years. We can do better than nothing.”
Our translation 76% shorter