What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

8 latest topics

Oral Questions

Finance

The debate focused on federal government spending, the budget deficit and national debt, and their impacts on the economy and cost of living. All statements were either Liberal MPs defending the government's fiscal management and spending as necessary investments, or Conservative MPs criticizing excessive spending, the high deficit and debt levels, and their view that this spending is driving inflation and hurting affordability.

Official Hansard ↗

Hon. Sean Fraser

Liberal
“My friend knows we have a small deficit so we must be careful with our spending. But don't worry, we're investing in lots of big projects to create jobs! Let's just keep spending money, that will fix everything.”
Our translation 68% shorter

Hon. Sean Fraser

Liberal
“The Conservatives just want to cut everything. I want to spend a lot of money to help everyone. Money will make everything work. If that makes me a big spender, I am proud to be one.”
Our translation 75% shorter

Ernie Klassen

Liberal
“I want to change the topic to talk up a report instead of saying whether the government will get spending under control.”
Our translation 73% shorter

Caroline Desrochers

Liberal
“Those Conservatives want to cut spending. That must mean they will take away money from my local projects! I should scare people that the Conservatives will cancel nice things in my riding.”
Our translation 71% shorter

Hon. Kevin Lamoureux

Liberal
“I'm sad that you're sad. Just believe in Canada! The government must spend money on Canada. If you don't agree, you're not a team player.”
Our translation 77% shorter

Anthony Housefather

Liberal
“I want to look good by quoting someone from a Conservative province. Conservatives don't like my plan. I think they should. I want more government spending to make Canada a superpower.”
Our translation 73% shorter

Leslie Church

Liberal
“I want to cheer for our government's expensive plans. We are spending lots of your money. Our plan will put many workers in jobs. More jobs is good. You should vote for our party because of all this spending.”
Our translation 60% shorter

Jennifer McKelvie

Liberal
“You say we spend too much. But all our spending is good! Name something you would cut. I dare you. If you won't support every project I listed, then get out of our way. We'll spend this money with or without you.”
Our translation 59% shorter

Hon. Jill McKnight

Liberal
“I respect you. But we ARE helping! We're giving Canadians a grocery benefit. And we cut the gas tax to save drivers 10 cents a litre. These steps keep money in their pockets. We're doing the work to support Canadians.”
Our translation 64% shorter