What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

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Oral Questions

Finance

During Question Period, the Conservatives criticized the Liberal government's economic record, citing high unemployment, rising debt and deficits, and job losses. The Liberals defended their record by pointing to infrastructure investments, tax cuts and credits, and economic indicators like exports and foreign investment. Much of the exchange consisted of partisan talking points and sniping rather than substantive debate of fiscal policy.

Official Hansard ↗

Roman Baber

Conservative
“I want to paint the other guy as bad with taxes and debt. If I list a lot of bad things maybe it will stick. I want people to think my team is different.”
Our translation 70% shorter

Ryan Turnbull

Liberal
“I must defend my team. If I list many ways we spend money maybe people will like us. We are giving people money for groceries. We want credit for that.”
Our translation 70% shorter

Roman Baber

Conservative
“The government should leave more money in citizens' pockets instead of spending it for them. Taking on this much debt hurts our country's growth and job prospects.”
Our translation 74% shorter

Hon. Kevin Lamoureux

Liberal
“The Conservatives don't want the government to do anything. Everything we are doing is good for jobs. The Conservatives should support us.”
Our translation 79% shorter

Kyle Seeback

Conservative
“You spent too much money. Debt is high. But unemployment is also high. Jobs are lost. I'm asking you to explain this.”
Our translation 76% shorter

Ryan Turnbull

Liberal
“I'm filling time with kind words and saying nothing anyone could pin down later.”
Our translation 87% shorter

Kyle Seeback

Conservative
“The Liberals said they reduced the deficit but they didn't. The deficit is actually higher. The Liberals don't understand that just because they write something doesn't mean it actually happens. Canadians are losing their jobs because of them. The Liberals should apologize.”
Our translation 68% shorter

Karim Bardeesy

Liberal
“I'm throwing out a lot of big numbers to make things sound good. The economy is strong! Ignore the parts that don't look as good. The opposition should support us spending even more money.”
Our translation 62% shorter