A debate on a Conservative motion to lower fuel prices and costs of living. The Conservatives said the government isn't doing enough to help Canadians struggling with high gas prices and inflation. The Bloc accused both the Liberals and Conservatives of being too pro-oil. The Liberals touted their existing affordability measures and accused the Conservatives of failing to support them.
“Government is hoarding money. Canadians can't afford this government. Taxpayers must spend less. Government should stop charging the credit card. I want lower taxes and cheaper gas too.”
“The other guy is wrong. He denies seniors are missing money. His own party had to correct him. Their plan only helps for part of the year. We want a full year of help.”
“I don't like the Conservative plan. It won't work. Their plan costs a lot. How will they pay? The debt is already too high. What will they cut? Who will they tax?”
“You say you want to help with grocery bills. But your clean fuel rules make everything cost more. How much more will they pay for food because of it?”
“I don't like that gas prices are high. High gas prices mean the government makes more money from taxes. The other guy doesn't have an incentive to lower prices, because he likes the tax money. The other guy only gave a tiny, temporary tax break. He wants a headline but not real relief. I say the other guy should remove all federal taxes on gas and diesel right away to give real relief. The other guy won't do it because he wants to keep spending other people's money. When the cost of energy goes up, the cost of everything goes up. Canadians are at the breaking point. The other guy acts like lowering fuel taxes would break the economy. I say the government should just stop taking so much money from people. Who should keep the money? The people who work hard and keep the country moving, or the government with an endless appetite for spending? I believe Canadians have already paid enough. The other guy says the economy is doing great, but people can't afford their bills. We have a choice: expensive energy and growing government, or let people keep their money.”
“I'm filling time by listing random things my party has done. We did one small thing to lower gas prices, but I'm going to change the subject. I don't want to answer her real challenge. I'm trying to put the responsibility on her to ask the provinces for something, so I can avoid saying why we didn't do it ourselves.”
“I don't like that the government is taking more tax money from gas prices but not trying to lower them. Canadians need to pay for many things. The government should stop taxing gas and diesel, and stop the expensive clean fuel rule.”
“I'm filling time by talking about our break and how I talked to voters. I think my riding might have it worse than yours because I'm from Ontario. Do people in British Columbia have the same problems?”
“I heard the same things as you. Canadians want common sense, not political theatre. High gas prices mean more tax money for the government. Canadians pay more for everything while the government gets more money. The government could help people, but it won't give up the money. Canadians deserve more than temporary help.”
“Don't say oil prices were the same in 2014. That's not true. Oil prices changed a lot that year. High oil inventories made gas prices low, not taxes. Now, about help for families - should it go to everyone, even the rich? Or only to those who need it most?”
“The government didn't do enough and it was late. Their plan barely helps and doesn't last long. People will only save a little money. That's not enough when everything costs so much. We need real savings, not a band-aid to make the government look good.”
“I want Canadians to know we're doing a lot to help with the cost of living. We've cut some taxes and raised some benefits. I think these targeted measures really help people. We're doing better than a lot of other countries. The opposition should vote for our bills so we can keep spending money to help Canadians.”
“You've been at the cabinet table for nine years and housing, food, and gas are all less affordable than ever. Canada is the worst in the G7 for food prices. The least you can do is support our motion to cut fuel taxes for the rest of the year.”
