“You didn't answer my one real question. I'll say it again. We only make a tiny number of electric cars. How are you going to make all cars electric in just eight years? Tell me the real plan.”
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
Government Orders
Business of Supply
A wide-ranging bill to implement the Spring 2026 Economic Update, touching on everything from tax deductions for tradespeople to aviation fuel taxes to beer excise duty rates. In 5 hours of debate, MPs mostly grilled the Finance Minister on unrelated topics like ride-sharing regulation, StatsCan data collection, and election promises from 2015. Some substantive questions were asked about domestic investment levels and the bill's housing provisions, but mostly talk went in circles without many direct answers.
“You ask hard questions about our electric car mandate. I won't give specifics. I'll just say nice things about the auto industry instead. Who cares about details? We should all cheer and feel good.”
“I think the new fund's operating costs will be high. $1.7 billion for the pension fund. Half a million dollars per employee. That's a lot of money. What will the costs of this new fund be?”
“I want the government to create this new wealth fund. It will be great. It will follow best practices and be independent. I didn't say how much it will cost.”
“You didn't answer my last question. I want to change the subject. I'm going to talk about youth unemployment. That's a real problem. Do you agree?”
“Youth unemployment is bad. My team has a big plan with a big number. We'll do it for the children. Vote for us.”
“Youth unemployment is high. Does the minister understand how bad it is? I want the minister to admit there's a crisis.”
“Youth unemployment is bad in many countries. Our government wants to look like it is doing something.”
“The youth unemployment rate is high. You should admit there's a crisis. Cut taxes and red tape so businesses can hire more young people. You should listen to the all-party report that says this would help.”
“You say there's a youth unemployment crisis. I say our government has a plan. Our big plan will help young people get jobs in trades. This is the kind of thing that helps youth. We can always do more for young people. We want to support them.”
“You won't give a straight answer. I'll ask you again. A report said more taxes and red tape hurt youth employment. Will you cut taxes and red tape to help youth employment?”
“You say I haven't answered any questions. I've been answering questions for three hours. Have you answered questions for three hours? We need to cut red tape. We're taking action to support youth.”
“You talk a lot, but say nothing. I asked about immigration causing youth unemployment. Answer my question.”
“I'm very happy about immigration. Immigrants are all the best and brightest. Canadians are nice people who welcome everyone. We brought immigration down to a good level.”
“I want to compliment the minister and ask for a small policy change. A company in my riding wants to use Canadian wind towers, but it's hard for them because of the surtax. Can the minister change the rule for companies that already have a contract? I know it's a difficult balance.”
“I want to compliment the member for Kings—Hants and thank him for his support. The government is trying to find the right balance between supporting a key industry and allowing projects to go forward. I want to thank him for his leadership in informing the government on how to strike this balance.”
“I want to change the subject to talk about how great we are. We did a little thing with a few social programs. And there's a tiny change to how much we take from workers' paycheques. Isn't that great? I want the minister to agree with me that this tiny payroll tax cut is a big deal for small businesses. It's not much, but I want people to think we're helping.”
“I want to change the subject too. Let's spend time thanking staff instead of responding to your motion. I also want you to agree that our tiny payroll tax cut is a big deal. It's not much, but all the provinces said yes. Look, we all worked together! That's the real story here.”
“I want to brag about my riding. I like a subsidy for my wine makers. Spend money on my program. The minister should praise wine makers everywhere. Cheers to us!”
“I want to praise my team. Praise farmers everywhere. Farmers are important. My colleagues know about farming. My party is great at farming policy. Let's celebrate my great team.”