“The price was lower under Harper, so the high price must be your fault now.”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
Recent debates
8 latest topics
Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act
57 statements
Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act
19 statements
Arab Heritage Month Act
5 statements
The Economy
15 statements
Government Priorities
2 statements
Government Priorities
2 statements
Housing
12 statements
The Environment
2 statements
Oral Questions
Taxation
This bill gives selected Canadians more of their own money back in various ways: tax deductions for tradespeople, tax exemption for selling a business to employees, more weeks of EI in some regions, more EI weeks for seasonal workers, a smaller CPP contribution rate for some, and an excise tax holiday for fuel. A government food agency can exempt some persons or things from provisions. In the debate, Conservatives questioned the reasons for high costs while Liberals blamed global factors and claimed to have taken action on affordability.
“I want you to think I care about you and that I am doing something to help. Taxes are lower, so it's not our fault.”
“Inflation is high and I want voters to blame the party in power, not world events. I want you to think prices were lower when my party was in charge because of us, and higher now because of them.”
“The man in charge of a big energy agency says this is the biggest energy crisis ever. I want you to know we didn't do nothing. We stopped one gas tax. Vote for our bill to make things a bit cheaper this summer.”
“Canadians pay too much tax. The government taxes their work, their gas, their beer. Now you want to triple their Netflix tax too? Stop taxing them to death. Do what we say and get rid of that Netflix tax.”
“I reject your premise. You're wrong. We are good. Only the other side is bad. Look at all we have done! Everything we do is good. How dare you question our virtue. Vote yes on our bill.”