What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

8 latest topics

Oral Questions

Taxation

In a debate about high gas prices, the Conservatives pointed out that under their government, gas prices were 50 cents cheaper per litre when global oil prices were the same. They also noted that US gas prices are currently 15% lower. The Liberals blamed the high prices on the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz, with the International Energy Agency calling it the largest energy crisis and praising the Liberal government's response. The Conservatives argued the Liberals are just bringing more costs, debt and taxes.

Official Hansard ↗

Hon. Pierre Poilievre

Conservative
“You say high gas prices are because oil is $100 a barrel. In 2014, oil was $100, but gas was 50¢ cheaper. High prices are because of taxes and your policies. Cut all gas taxes for the rest of the year!”
Our translation 56% shorter
“You should ignore high gas prices. There's a war. The government should spend more to help Canadians with the high prices it helped cause. We already cut the gas tax a little.”
Our translation 70% shorter

Hon. Pierre Poilievre

Conservative
“Gas prices are higher in Canada than in the US. This government's taxes and deficits and weak dollar are to blame. The Prime Minister should cut all gas taxes for the rest of the year.”
Our translation 67% shorter
“I want praise because I temporarily suspended one fuel tax to fight inflation. The International Monetary Fund says what I did was targeted and temporary so it's good. I will keep supporting Canadians and spending money to make Canada strong.”
Our translation 51% shorter

Hon. Pierre Poilievre

Conservative
“I want to blame the Prime Minister for high gas prices. Gas prices are higher now than in 2014 even though global oil prices are the same. The difference is because of inflation, debt, carbon taxes, and a weak dollar. The government should remove all Liberal taxes on gas for the rest of the year.”
Our translation 53% shorter
“I want to blame high gas prices on the Strait of Hormuz, Iran, and conflict. This is the biggest energy shock. The government suspended the federal excise tax on gas to help Canadians. We want to look like we're doing our part.”
Our translation 68% shorter

Hon. Pierre Poilievre

Conservative
“In 2014, gas prices were cheaper under Conservatives with the same global oil price. Now gas is 15% cheaper in the US. I say high Liberal taxes, inflationary spending, and a weak dollar caused by the Prime Minister's policies are the reason. I want the Prime Minister to announce he will get rid of all the gas taxes for the whole year.”
Our translation 48% shorter

Hon. Tim Hodgson

Liberal
“I say the head of the International Energy Agency thinks our government has it all. I want to paint a rosy picture and ignore the actual question about high gas prices.”
Our translation 45% shorter