Translate Politics Parliament in plain language.

Finance

During question period on finance, Conservative members pressed the government about the size of its upcoming deficit, which they put at around $65 billion or more, and argued that high spending is driving up debt, interest costs, inflation, food prices, housing costs and food bank use. Liberal members replied that the deficit came in lower than projected, that Canada has the lowest debt-to-GDP ratio and among the fastest growth in the G7, and pointed to measures they said help with living costs, such as the groceries and essentials benefit, a temporary fuel tax cut, the Canada child benefit, and investments in workers, infrastructure and major projects. Liberals also asked Conservatives which programs or projects they would cut instead, while Conservatives responded that spending almost equals revenue and the deficit has doubled. One exchange during the period was about the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ food fishery survey rather than the budget.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text

18 statements

Shannon Stubbs

Conservative

Linked statement

“The government plans to spend 65 billion dollars more than it has. Its debt costs Canadians too much money, and the interest on it is larger than all health care payments to the provinces. I want the Prime Minister to explain why Canadians have to pay for this while they are already struggling.”
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, the Liberals’ costly credit card budget plans a deficit of over $65 billion. That is more debt, more costs, more spending and more of the same. I would say that the Prime Minister is just like the last one, but he is twice as bad. He doubled Trudeau’s deficit. The debt costs each Canadian $33,000 a year. Who can afford it? Debt interest charges alone are over $55 billion, more than transfers for health care to all the provinces combined. While young Canadians face a jobs crisis and food bank use skyrockets, how can the PM tell Canadians they should foot his costly credit card bill?

View on ourcommons.ca Grade A– View analysis

Sean Fraser

Liberal
“We are managing the country's money well. Our deficit is lower than expected, and Canada's economy is one of the fastest growing in the G7. We are investing in skilled trades, large projects, and the military to create jobs and grow the economy.”

  • A repeated line

    “We have the lowest debt-to-GDP ratio in the G7.”

    Said 17 times by 13 members since April 29.

    Every time it was said
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, my hon. colleague knows well that we have a smaller-than-projected deficit because we are managing the nation’s fiscal capacity with responsibility. We have the lowest debt-to-GDP ratio in the G7. The member will know that we have the second-fastest growing economy in the G7. The path ahead for Canada, despite the challenges we face, is bright. We are launching major projects and investing in the skilled trades to add 100,000 new workers to the economy. We are making massive investments in the Canadian Armed Forces in the defence industrial strategy, which is going to create jobs in every part of this country. We need to invest in Canada and invest in Canadians to grow this economy.

View on ourcommons.ca Grade B– View analysis

Shannon Stubbs

Conservative
“Liberal policies are hurting our economy. Spending, debt, and the cost of food and homes are up, while business investment is down. Why is the Prime Minister increasing the deficit and making life more expensive for Canadians?”
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, here is the Liberal record: spending up, food inflation up, debt up and photo ops way up, but investments down, no trade deal with the U.S., and zero Major Projects Office approvals. The Liberals landlocked Canada with costly red tape and shifting rules. That is why Canada now has the most unaffordable housing and the lowest investment in the G7. Canada is rich in natural and human resources. No business should be driven out. No family on fixed income should choose between heating and eating. Why will the PM double Trudeau’s deficit, double down on costly credit card budgets and force Canadians to pay more for gas, groceries and homes?

View on ourcommons.ca Grade A+ View analysis

Sean Fraser

Liberal
“Our government spends money to help families with daily costs, feed kids at school, create jobs, and give soldiers a raise. The Conservatives do not see the value in this spending, but I am proud of it.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 42 of 100

    None of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.

    See full analysis

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Signal 27 of 100

    Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.

    See full analysis
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, Oscar Wilde once described a “cynic” as someone who knows the cost of everything but the value of nothing. Do the Conservatives not see the value in investing in making sure families have money to support the cost of living through the Canada child benefit and the groceries and essentials benefit? Do they not see value in investing in the national school food program? Do they not see value in advancing major projects to put people to work in this country, and do they not see value in giving a raise to the men and women who serve in the Canadian Armed Forces? We are building an economy that can stand on its own two feet, diversifying our trading relationships and using our fiscal capacities to support people in need. If that makes me just another Liberal, I am damn proud to be one.

View on ourcommons.ca Grade C– View analysis

Jonathan Rowe

Conservative
“The new budget spends too much money and doubles the deficit. People want life to be affordable. When will the government control its spending?”

  • Opposition question in Question Period

    Signal 32 of 100

    Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.

    See full analysis
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, there is nothing worse than going to the post office and looking forward to a friendly letter but getting nothing but a dreaded credit card bill. That is exactly how the federal budget went. Canadians thought they were going to get a responsible budget from a new government. Instead, they were hit with a costly credit card bill. The only thing new was that they doubled Justin Trudeau’s deficit. Canadians do not want a double-double deficit. They want to be able to afford a double-double coffee. When will the Liberals get spending under control?

View on ourcommons.ca Grade C View analysis

Ernie Klassen

Liberal
“The government shared the results of its food fishery survey, which had over 9,500 responses. We know the food fishery is important to Newfoundland and Labrador, and we need to get this right.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 0 of 100

    None of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.

    See full analysis
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, last week the minister was pleased to publish the “What We Heard” report from the food fishery survey. This was the largest survey done by DFO, with over 9,500 participants. We want to thank everyone who responded to the survey in order to allow us to work better for the people of the member across the aisle’s statement. Our government knows how important the food fishery is in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. We need to get this—

View on ourcommons.ca Grade F View analysis

Jonathan Rowe

Conservative
“The Liberals spend too much money, and it causes inflation. Food and rent keep getting more expensive. The government cannot fix the economy by borrowing more money.”
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, I was talking about deficits, not fish, but spend, spend, spend is all the Liberals want to do. They cannot spend their way out of inflation. We would think the Prime Minister would have learned that when he wrongfully predicted that COVID spending would actually lead to deflation, but reports are showing that households are still spending more, year over year, on food. Rent is going up year over year. Everything in this country has doubled in the costly Liberal decade. How many more reports do the Liberals need to see before they realize they cannot build a country, an affordable economy, on credit card debt?

View on ourcommons.ca Grade A View analysis

Caroline Desrochers

Liberal
“The Conservatives will not say what they plan to cut. I want the member to tell us which projects in Newfoundland and Labrador his party would stop funding.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 0 of 100

    None of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.

    See full analysis
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, it is very rich to hear this debate today. The Conservatives are still refusing to come clean with Canadians about where it is they plan to cut. The member is from Newfoundland and Labrador. Will he say what project the Conservatives are going to pull the plug on and tell workers to go home? Is it the Marina Redmond Centre in Corner Brook? Is it the Build Canada Homes announcement of 130 secure, affordable units for seniors in St. John’s, the water infrastructure through the western coast, or the Tors Cove Hall that our government is providing funding for? Please, can they just tell us? We have been asking.

View on ourcommons.ca Grade F View analysis

Michael Kram

Conservative
“The government is spending too much money and driving up the national debt. Why are the Liberals increasing the deficit and making gas, groceries, and housing more expensive for Canadians?”

  • A repeated line

    “This costly credit card budget means more debt.”

    Said 8 times by 7 members since April 29.

    Every time it was said
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, after 11 years of the Liberals, they continue to spend like drunken sailors, with a deficit of $65 billion, debt servicing at $59 billion and the total debt a staggering $1.7 trillion. The costly credit card budget means more debt, more costs, more spending, more taxes and more of the same. Why have the Liberals doubled Justin Trudeau’s deficit and doubled down on costly credit card budgeting, forcing Canadians to pay more for gas, groceries and housing?

View on ourcommons.ca View analysis

Kevin Lamoureux

Liberal
“Canada is doing well, and Conservatives need to see that. We need to spend money on public projects and our people to make the country stronger. Conservatives should join us instead of being negative.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 35 of 100

    None of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.

    See full analysis

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Signal 32 of 100

    Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.

    See full analysis
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, how depressing it must be to be a Conservative member of Parliament. Let me give members some good advice. Canada is not broken. There are a lot of good things that are taking place. All they need to do is open their eyes and open their mind. If we believe in Canada, we need to invest in Canada. That means building on infrastructure. It means investing in Canadians. The Conservatives have a choice. They can either get on board and be part of a team Canada approach to build a stronger Canada, or continue to be a depressed group of people. Some hon. members: Oh, oh!

View on ourcommons.ca Grade C View analysis

Michael Kram

Conservative
“I want the Prime Minister to stop overspending so life becomes affordable for Canadians. People are relying on food banks because of the government's high spending.”

  • A repeated line

    “When will the Liberal Prime Minister end his costly budgeting so Canadians can afford to live?”

    Said 13 times by 12 members since April 28.

    Every time it was said
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, it is depressing to have to line up at a food bank when 10 years ago someone used to be able to afford groceries, but Canadians are starting to see that the Liberal promises are just an illusion. To quote an editorial in The Globe and Mail, “In the upside-down land of the Liberals, a spending spree is a spending cut, blowing a windfall of billions of dollars is prudent and failing to prepare for a fiscal storm is, well, just good management.” When will the Prime Minister end his costly credit card budgeting so Canadians can afford to live?

View on ourcommons.ca Grade A View analysis

Anthony Housefather

Liberal
“The premier of Saskatchewan praised our economic plan and said it is good for the country. Canadians want to build our economy together. I want to know why the Conservatives do not.”
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, do you know who had something positive to say about the spring economic statement? It was Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, the premier of the province of that member. When he was talking about the sovereign wealth fund, he said, “We would say this is a good initiative for our nation. I think it really speaks to what we need to do in this nation, and working together at all levels of government to ensure that we can aspire to achieve what the Prime Minister said... [about Canada] being the strongest economy in the G7 and Canada becoming an energy superpower.” Canadians want to be part of building this country. Why do the Conservatives not?

View on ourcommons.ca Grade A+ View analysis

Michael Guglielmin

Conservative
“The government is spending almost all the money it brings in, national debt is growing, and the economy is not growing fast enough. When will the Prime Minister stop spending so much money we do not have?”
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, the verdict on the costly budget is in, and it is unforgiving. The Globe and Mail reports that for every $100 in revenue, the Liberal government spends $97. The Globe and Mail said, “Even Justin Trudeau would have difficulties in matching that performance.” Federal net debt now exceeds 40% of GDP, and it is rising. Long-term growth is projected to be a measly 1.7%. When will the Prime Minister stop borrowing against a future Canadians can no longer afford?

View on ourcommons.ca Grade A View analysis

Leslie Church

Liberal
“Our economy is doing well. The deficit, home prices, and rents are down. Growth, investment, and exports are up. Wages are growing twice as fast as in the United States. We also have a plan to put 100,000 skilled workers to work.”
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, here are a few facts for my colleague across the way. The deficit is down. GDP growth is up. Non-U.S. exports are up by almost a whopping 40%. Investment is at a 20-year high. Wage growth is up and two times stronger in Canada than in the United States. Home prices are coming down. Rents are down. We have a plan to put 100,000 apprentices to work. Those are going to be the steamfitters, the electricians, the carpenters and the mechanics in my colleague’s riding and mine. That is a plan to build Canada strong.

View on ourcommons.ca Grade A– View analysis

Michael Guglielmin

Conservative
“The government doubled the deficit from $31 billion to $67 billion. They are spending too much money and not growing the economy. They are not making hard choices.”

  • Opposition question in Question Period

    Signal 26 of 100

    Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.

    See full analysis
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, the deficit is now going to be $67 billion. That is up from $31 billion, not down, and the member can recite her talking points all afternoon from the Prime Minister’s Office, but the truth is that for months the Prime Minister tried to convince Canadians that he was something different. He wanted them to believe that he was a break from the past. I guess the masks sure fell off this week. The deficit is doubled, spending is accelerated and growth is abandoned. This is not a new government making hard choices; it is the same irresponsible Liberal government making reckless decisions. When will they—

View on ourcommons.ca Grade C– View analysis

Jennifer McKelvie

Liberal
“Our spending builds needed infrastructure in our communities. I want to know which Ontario transit, energy, and mining projects the Conservatives want to cancel. We are ready to invest in Ontario, and the Conservatives should get out of the way.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 100 of 100

    Of this answer, 100% addressed the question that was asked.

    See full analysis
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, when Conservatives talk about spending, they ignore the fact that these are investments that build communities and the infrastructure that we need. The member opposite is from Ontario. I would like to know what projects he would like to cancel. Is it our commitment to GO 2.0? Is it the Scarborough subway extension? Is it the Hamilton LRT? Is it the Darlington nuclear project? Is it the critical minerals strategy for northern Ontario? If the Conservatives do not believe now is the time to build and invest, they can get out of the way. We are ready to invest in Ontario.

View on ourcommons.ca Grade A+ View analysis

Tamara Kronis

Conservative
“Food banks are expanding on Vancouver Island because groceries cost too much. I want the government to stop spending so much money and lower food prices.”
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, Loaves & Fishes serves more than 15,000 in more than 44 communities on the island. They are vital, and they are growing, with a new 24,000-square-foot warehouse set to open this month. Some 80% of Canadians say food prices have increased more than any other expense. Groceries, without meat or cheese, regularly cost $100 a bag on the island, yet the Liberal government continues to tell Canadians they have never had it so good. Every measure we propose, they oppose. How many food bank expansions do the Liberals need to see before they stop their costly credit card spending and actually bring food costs down for Canadians?

View on ourcommons.ca Grade A+ View analysis

Jill McKnight

Liberal
“Our government is helping people in British Columbia and across Canada. We are sending grocery benefit payments on June 5. We also cut the fuel tax by 10 cents a litre until Labour Day to save people money.”
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, I have a lot of respect for my colleague opposite. Coming from British Columbia, we know that British Columbians want to see measures that are going to support them. That is why things like the groceries and essentials benefit are helping Canadians. It is going to be in their bank accounts on June 5. They want to see measures like the reduction in the fuel tax, which is saving 10¢ a litre, and that is keeping money in their pockets between now and Labour Day. They want to see the steps that we are taking. British Columbia can see that we are doing the work to support Canadians.

View on ourcommons.ca Grade B– View analysis

Discussion

No comments yet

See the full discussion

Comment rules

More from sitting 115

All 38 items ·
  1. Government Orders Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act 29 statements
  2. Oral Questions Finance 12 statements
  3. Oral Questions The Economy 4 statements
  4. Oral Questions Small Business 2 statements
  5. Oral Questions Finance 14 statements
  6. Oral Questions Finance 4 statements
  7. Oral Questions The Economy 5 statements
  8. Oral Questions Industry 2 statements
  9. Oral Questions The Economy 2 statements
  10. Oral Questions Finance 18 statements
  11. Oral Questions Sport 2 statements
  12. Oral Questions Health 6 statements
  13. Oral Questions Climate Change 2 statements
  14. Oral Questions Finance 2 statements
  15. Oral Questions Labour 2 statements
  16. Oral Questions Climate Change 2 statements
  17. Government Orders Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act 20 statements
  18. Oral Questions Public Services and Procurement 4 statements
  19. Government Orders Privilege 2 statements
  20. Private Members' Business Offender Rehabilitation Act 14 statements
  21. Government Orders Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act 21 statements