“I want to look smart by hinting I know about this topic. But really I want to change the subject to something that might make us look good. Look at this big increase in exports. It's all because of our policies. I want to talk about diversification now because that works in our favor.”
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'm saying something nice about free trade because that goes over well. I'm trying to make us look good by tying any increase in exports to a trade agreement the previous government signed. I don't really say how.”
“I'm glad the government might spend more money later. We want them to. But on yesterday's announcement, I'm really here to gripe that the loan program isn't big enough yet. Even smaller businesses need these subsidized loans. Expand the program so taxpayers cover more companies. Also cover the suppliers of exporters. The government should spend more on all of them.”
“That's true. We have regional programs for that. Quebec's one just got more money. Those smaller businesses can get some from there instead.”
“What about the forestry sector? Jobs lost, businesses closing. What's happening with those negotiations?”
“The forestry sector is having problems. This is different from manufacturing problems. We want to make a deal with the United States. Negotiations are happening.”
“Wow, what a great point I just heard. We need the best deal, not just any deal. It's so important to wait for the best deal. Can you please say more words about why waiting for the best deal is important?”
“Our goal is not just to remove tariffs. We want a big trade agreement too. Tariffs are bad and illegal. We can't be vulnerable to them.”
“The government should admit it made a promise it couldn't keep. They said tariffs would end by June, July, September, who knows when. The Prime Minister keeps making promises he can't deliver.”
“We promised to get the best deal. Things changed since then. We're still trying to deliver.”
“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.”
“Our businesses are suffering. The government isn't doing enough. We should spend more to help them. My party has a plan. Does my colleague agree with my party's plan?”
“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.”
“You say you want solutions. We already gave you two solutions. Canadian companies get special treatment. Ridings will get more handouts to fight tariffs. What more do you want from us? That sounds pretty concrete to me.”
“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 trying to score points off the Prime Minister by bringing up a quote where he sounds dismissive. I want people to think the Prime Minister doesn't care about tariffs because it'll make him look bad.”
“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.”