What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

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Oral Questions

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

The Conservatives accused the Liberal government of allowing an Iranian terrorist into Canada and not properly tracking and deporting IRGC members. The Liberals claimed they have layers of protection that work and have taken back control of immigration. Much of the debate consisted of partisan sniping and finger-pointing rather than substantive discussion of immigration policy and security issues.

Official Hansard ↗

Right Hon. Mark Carney

Liberal
“I'm filling time with kind words and saying nothing anyone could pin down later.”
Our translation 70% shorter

Right Hon. Mark Carney

Liberal
“We already banned those people. Everything is fine. The policy hasn't changed. There's nothing to see here.”
Our translation 50% shorter

Right Hon. Mark Carney

Liberal
“Mr. Speaker, our government is working hard to ensure that the IRGC members are not admissible to Canada. We have taken several measures to control immigration, including reducing the number of asylum seekers, temporary foreign workers, and foreign students. Our goal is to maintain a level of immigration that is sustainable for the country.”
Our translation 34% shorter

Right Hon. Mark Carney

Liberal
“I make it sound like the government is taking big immigration actions. We checked a lot of forms and blocked some visas. And we kicked out a bunch of people last year. I want it to sound like we're in control now.”
Our translation