“I talked to furniture industry people. They said the government's measures are weak. The government doesn't have a sector strategy ready. The leader should say something about the government being unprepared.”
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.
“The prime minister might not care if weak businesses die. He should announce measures to save them.”
“I'm not sure about stockpiling wood - it might cost money or tie up the product. I think the forestry sector wants to keep exporting timber instead, even if the government doesn't buy back all the tariffs.”
“I don't think the government is doing a good job. They talk like they're special, but businesses are still struggling.”
“I want my leader to say it's important for everyone to pressure American politicians. That way they might pressure Trump. I think his tariffs are bad and unfair.”
“I think Trump is weak because he works alone. Everyone in Canada should work together to fight him instead. I talked to some business groups who agree with me. The government should get more people to agree with us.”
“The government only cares about oil. Oil, oil, oil. The government gives money to oil companies. It wants to build pipelines everywhere. The government doesn't care about tariffs. It was elected to fix tariffs but it doesn't do anything. I think the government lied to get elected.”
“You should spend money on a wage subsidy for businesses hurt by tariffs. The Bloc Quebecois has a good proposal. Why don't you support it? Give me reasons.”
“The government promised to fix the tariff crisis but failed. They keep pushing back the deadline. Now they want to borrow $25 million for a fund that won't help. The Bloc proposed measures to directly help workers and businesses affected by tariffs. But the government isn't using any of them. They aren't doing enough. We need action now, not more debt and delays.”
“The government helps business in theory, but it's not enough. The government should do everything my party tells it to do because we know better. If you visit my riding, you'll see that the people I talk to agree with me.”
“I'm pretending our motion will save everything. I want everyone to vote for it. It will fix all the problems.”
“I'm praising a fellow Bloc MP. Small firms need a bailout program tweaked our way. Businesses already owe too much to borrow any more. Giving them money to pay wages instead will keep jobs from being cut.”
“I'm piling on with my Bloc colleague. The government should give us what we demand. Businesses and industry want this too. It's not a new idea - the government already did this in the pandemic. It'll keep scarce workers like welders and electricians from being cut in a shortage. My ask is not a partisan trick. It's serious. We're helping. The government should hurry up and do it.”
“I'm asking for government help for businesses hurt by new U.S. tariffs. These tariffs are a direct attack on our businesses. I want to help the businesses in my riding. I don't think the government is doing enough. Mr. Speaker, in my riding of Shefford, businesses allow the local economy to thrive. However, we have to recognize that we are dependent on exports to the United States. Businesses are losing sales and contracts. Some businesses fear they will have to reduce their staff. The government's response is inadequate.”
“I'm filling time with kind words and saying nothing anyone could pin down later. The government should spend money to fix this. We want that money spent on our preferred program!”
“Did you actually protect the lumber industry? Did you make a real aerospace policy? You helped Ontario's auto industry faster than Quebec's industries.”
“I don't like the government. It made a promise and nothing happened. The government should do something. Talk to the U.S. faster. Businesses need money. Conservatives should agree with me.”
“I say nice things about my colleague. Liberals say they're helping businesses. I ask my colleague if her riding's businesses really say that's enough.”
“I say my riding's businesses don't want more loans. They want the government to help them other ways, like the Bloc proposes. The government's temporary foreign worker announcement isn't enough either. If we stop the smoke and mirrors, maybe we can work together to help local businesses.”
“I don't think the government understands how urgent this really is. The government's plan will take too long. Businesses are closing now. Loans won't help businesses that already have too much debt. The government needs to do something faster before more businesses go under.”