“I want Canada to increase its energy production. That would give us more power to negotiate against US tariffs. We need more leverage to get those tariffs removed. Loans won't help businesses. Businesses are being hurt by these tariffs.”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
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A motion from the Bloc Québécois condemning new U.S. tariffs on Canadian products containing steel, aluminum or copper. The Bloc accused the Liberal government of not doing enough to fight the tariffs and protect jobs. The Liberals defended their response and efforts to diversify trade. The Conservatives criticized the government's handling of the file, saying they were all talk but haven't gotten results.
“I want Canada to have more power. We should expand our resources and manufacturing. That way we can be stronger when we negotiate with the U.S. I don't like how the Prime Minister is handling the U.S. tariffs. I think we should deal with those tariffs.”
“The other guy's bad at trade deals. He flips back and forth. We ended up with all these tariffs. He just makes excuses. He's not good at this. It's all an act.”
“What about the forestry sector? Jobs lost, businesses closing. What's happening with those negotiations?”
“The Prime Minister promised a deal. That didn't happen. Now he won't even talk to the Americans. This inaction is making our businesses bleed. He should come see the workers losing their jobs. Companies in my region are moving to the US. Liberal band-aids won't stop it. I'm supposed to defend my riding's interests. The government is supposed to defend all of Canada's interests. The Prime Minister won't even pick up the phone. That's a lack of leadership. He should get to the table now and get this done.”
“I want to look good to you and your region. But my party doesn't agree with your plan. Your plan just puts a band-aid on the problem. It doesn't fix anything. We should fix the real problem instead.”
“I don't like your deals. Mice and elephants don't make good deals. The real problem is the U.S. Our biggest trade deal is always the U.S. The government needs to call the U.S. No more delays. Just call the White House and get a deal.”
“I don't like these tariffs. The member for Winnipeg North says negotiations take time. I need to tell my constituents something. They lost their jobs. They wait in lines at the food bank. The auto sector is hurting bad. I want my colleague to talk more about how bad it is.”
“I'm repeating what I already said. My riding is on the U.S. border. We do a lot of business with the U.S. The tariffs hurt us. The people of Beauce don't want government handouts. They want the government to negotiate a deal with the U.S.”
“I'm flattered by my colleague's kind words. But I want to be clear: I think the Prime Minister is wrong to say "Who cares?" about tariffs. Many people are telling me they think the government should focus more on our relationship with America, not China. I want to look like I'm on their side.”
“I'm using this issue to score political points. I want the government to know I'm on the side of the workers and industries affected by tariffs. I'm going to Quebec to talk to these workers and show that I care. I'm also reminding everyone of the strong relationship between Canada and the U.S., even though there are tensions right now.”
“I don't like the government's approach. They should act faster and work with the U.S. But I won't say what we should do instead.”
“You want a local project? I'm against that specific one. It costs too much. People are losing money and homes. And expropriation is bad. That's what I'll say instead of just defending my own riding.”
“Why don't you explain how much steel Europe and China will buy from us instead of just saying we should do more business with them?”
“I think trade diversification is important, but we can't ignore our trading relationship with the United States. It doesn't have to be one or the other.”
“The Prime Minister talks big but doesn't deliver. He keeps changing his story on the U.S. Meanwhile steel and lumber tariffs are hurting our workers. When will he stop blaming others and make a deal?”
“There are many jobs! Where is the deal? The Prime Minister doesn't even know if our relationship is good or bad. The government must do something now and get rid of these tariffs.”
“I want to talk about forestry. That industry lost many jobs. The government should do more trade. My riding depends on US trade. The government didn't spend enough time on forestry in trade talks.”
“The Prime Minister keeps changing his mind on trade with the U.S. His tough talk is just a distraction. Nobody knows when he will get a deal done. He should stop blaming tariffs for our problems and admit he is failing.”
“The Prime Minister says all kinds of things about the US. But I say he hasn't really protected trade. Millions of jobs need those tariffs gone. Canada is falling behind while other countries move ahead. Why did you let Canada be sidelined?”