What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

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Oral Questions

Finance

A debate about government spending and debt. The Conservatives criticized the Liberals for increasing the national debt and accused them of fiscal mismanagement. The Liberals defended their record, citing reduced deficits and economic strength, and asked what projects the Conservatives would cut. The debate devolved into typical partisan sparring, with both sides accusing the other of fuzzy math.

Official Hansard ↗

Jason Groleau

Conservative
“The government spends too much. The debt is too high. I want the Prime Minister to spend less.”
Our translation 71% shorter

Caroline Desrochers

Liberal
“I want to defend our government spending. I say our economy is strong. I want to paint myself as practical and you as impractical.”
Our translation 75% shorter

Jason Groleau

Conservative
“I want to criticize you for spending too much. I think your spending adds up to more debt for each family. I want you to stop driving up costs. I want to paint you as irresponsible with money.”
Our translation 63% shorter

Caroline Desrochers

Liberal
“You want to cut spending. But I want to make you say which programs you would cut. I want to know so I can criticize you for it later.”
Our translation 63% shorter