What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

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Oral Questions

Indigenous Affairs

A debate about a court ruling on Indigenous land rights and private property ownership. The Conservatives accused the Liberal government of failing to protect private property rights in the Cowichan case. The Liberals refused to discuss their legal strategy, saying the case is under active litigation. The debate was mostly back-and-forth accusations without much substance.

Official Hansard ↗

Hon. Rebecca Alty

Liberal
“I want to make the Conservatives look bad. I won't say our legal plans. I want to talk about another agreement the Conservatives didn't read.”
Our translation 76% shorter

Hon. Rebecca Alty

Liberal
“The court case is still going and I won't tell you our strategy. Rule 14 doesn't stop us from using any specific defense, we just need a good reason and evidence. We appealed the ruling and we'll use any defense we can.”
Our translation 55% shorter

Hon. Rebecca Alty

Liberal
“I want to say the other party doesn't understand. I can name sections and agreements to sound informed. The real issue is someone else's job.”
Our translation 65% shorter

Hon. Rebecca Alty

Liberal
“I want the courts to make a clear ruling on this issue. The New Brunswick court and the Cowichan court reached opposite conclusions. That's why we need clarity from the courts. Many parties have appealed the Cowichan case. It's an ongoing legal matter.”
Our translation 51% shorter

Hon. Rebecca Alty

Liberal
“You're leaving out the rest of the principle. Back in 2017, we did argue private landowners should be notified. The court ruled against that. Since the ruling last summer, we consented to Montrose's application. Now we're waiting for the judge's ruling. If Montrose is added as a party, that would let a private property owner be heard at the trial.”
Our translation 46% shorter