What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

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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 ↗
“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
“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
“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. 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