What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

8 latest topics

Government Orders

Business of Supply

A debate where Conservatives criticized the government's approach to indigenous rights and economic development, arguing it is creating legal uncertainty and holding back projects. The Liberals defended their record and accused the Conservatives of trying to divide Canadians. Bloc and NDP members also weighed in, with the NDP criticizing Liberal backsliding on indigenous rights.

Official Hansard ↗

Elizabeth May

Green
“Many people should have negotiated with the Cowichan. I want the government to spend money now to fix old mistakes.”
Our translation 69% shorter

Hon. Buckley Belanger

Liberal
“I want people to see the Conservatives as dividing Canada. I won't say how I would solve the Cowichan problem. I will talk about my family's military service to look like a patriot.”
Our translation 97% shorter

Cathay Wagantall

Conservative
“Thank you. Let's talk more about how great the military is. It doesn't matter what the judge said about indigenous land rights. I want this to look like a patriotism contest.”
Our translation 78% shorter

Cathay Wagantall

Conservative
“I want the other side to take the blame for causing problems, not us. I don't want to talk about what we should do.”
Our translation 62% shorter

Hon. Buckley Belanger

Liberal
“I want new Snowbirds. People I know flew planes. I want to spend money to make them safe.”
Our translation 87% shorter

Alexis Deschênes

Bloc Québécois
“Why are you fighting this in court?”
Our translation 85% shorter

Hon. Buckley Belanger

Liberal
“I don't think members should fight this in the House. I'm just trying to keep Canadians calm and on the government's side.”
Our translation 78% shorter

Caroline Desrochers

Liberal
“I want the opposition to stop asking the same question. The government already answered. Move on.”
Our translation 85% shorter

Hon. Buckley Belanger

Liberal
“I want the opposition to stop asking questions that make the government look bad. We should talk about other things that make us look good instead. I'm filling time with kind words about other people.”
Our translation 70% shorter

Hon. Kevin Lamoureux

Liberal
“I'm filling time with kind words and saying nothing anyone could pin down later. Why are we even talking about this motion? It won't help anything.”
Our translation 98% shorter

Grant Jackson

Conservative
“Why are Liberal MPs from BC hiding? They should defend their bad decisions on housing. I think the other speakers are talking about the wrong things.”
Our translation 79% shorter

Hon. Kevin Lamoureux

Liberal
“I don't like that you accused us of hiding. BC MPs talked about this. It affects everyone. We should do what Canadians want. Conservatives cause division.”
Our translation 80% shorter

Patrick Bonin

Bloc Québécois
“The Liberals got a majority. Now they shut down debate in committee. Conservatives say they wouldn't discuss this issue. Why didn't Liberals allow real debate on this issue?”
Our translation 79% shorter

Hon. Kevin Lamoureux

Liberal
“The Liberals have been collaborative. We passed a Conservative bill when we had a majority. We sent another Conservative bill to committee yesterday. We may not always agree with the Conservatives and Bloc, but we can collaborate when needed.”
Our translation 65% shorter

Hon. Rebecca Alty

Liberal
“I want to know if the member thinks it's risky for the House to get involved in directing lawsuits. I'm concerned it might blur the lines between what's parliament's job and what's the courts' job.”
Our translation

Hon. Kevin Lamoureux

Liberal
“I don't want the committee to do the court's job. I think that would be bizarre and damaging. I wish the Conservatives had asked for different advice before they made this motion. I want it to be changed or broadened. I won't support it like this.”
Our translation 64% shorter

Leah Gazan

NDP
“The Liberals talk a lot about reconciliation. But Amnesty International says Canada is stepping back from Indigenous rights. The Liberals passed Bill C-5 quickly, but it violates Indigenous rights. For Bill S-2, they say they need to consult more, even though it's been years. I want the Liberals to admit their failures. Researchers and legal experts are noticing.”
Our translation 52% shorter

Hon. Kevin Lamoureux

Liberal
“I want to defend the Prime Minister. When we talk about the economy, he often brings up indigenous issues. I want people to think the Prime Minister really cares.”
Our translation 55% shorter

Aaron Gunn

Conservative
“I'm upset! People's homes might not really be theirs. The government has to protect property rights and fix this now. We have to change our agreements and our Constitution if we have to. Let's all get along like the old days.”
Our translation 97% shorter

Hon. Rebecca Alty

Liberal
“I don't like what you said. But I won't say if I disagree with it. Instead I'll just ask if you read the agreement. Maybe that will make people doubt you. I'd rather not actually debate this.”
Our translation 48% shorter