What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

8 latest topics

Oral Questions

Justice

In a debate on justice, MPs mostly argued about whether the Clarity Act on referendums is democratic. The Bloc accused the Liberals of attacking democracy by not always following '50% plus one'. The Liberals said they will follow the law and wait to see what happens in Alberta.

Official Hansard ↗

Patricia Lattanzio

Liberal
“The constitution matters. Rights matter. I won't engage on this specific question right now. Let's see what happens out west first. But the Prime Minister did say the rules are clear, and 50% plus one is a majority. Whatever happens, we have to follow the law.”
Our translation 43% shorter

Patricia Lattanzio

Liberal
“I'm repeating kind words about democracy and 50% plus one. I want to look like I agree. But I don't actually say I'll respect the result.”
Our translation 41% shorter