“I'm filling time with kind words and saying nothing anyone could pin down later. I want taxpayers to spend more money on housing because that's popular. I want voters to cheer for me because spending money to build homes sounds nice.”
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.
“I want the Finance Minister to say the government is doing a good job. I'm going to prompt him to cheer for big expensive programs in the budget. I want him to say these handouts to companies will make them spend more in my city. I want people to think this is a sound long-term plan.”
“I want voters in my riding watching this to think I'm doing a good job. I want them to believe the government has a plan to fix the economy. It has to look like we're in control when things are uncertain. I want to claim credit for all the spending and programs the government announced. I want people to think this spending makes Canada's economy grow. I want to avoid any blame for high costs and hard times.”
“I disagree. I think electric cars are still the future. Look, it took Tesla 17 years to be profitable. When the Model T Ford was introduced, it was not a success. We've been using the same car engines for 100 years. Now we're switching to a new technology. It's normal that it will take time for people to adjust. The U.S. has caused some delays. But I still believe we should spend taxpayers' money on electric car projects.”
“I'm very happy you asked me that. I want everyone to know that our electric vehicle plan is working great. Volkswagen is opening a big factory here. Did you know we've never had a big European car company come here before? You can see in my big smile how great this is. I know you agree with me in your heart even if you don't say it. You're smiling because you know we're doing great things for the workers. I could go on about this for a long time.”
“You say companies lose money on electric cars. But the government is smart! We only give companies money after they sell a car. So the government isn't wasting anything. We spend lots of money and it's all very responsible.”
“I want you to celebrate spending taxpayer money to attract a European manufacturer. Never mind that these projects get delayed. Smart countries spend money now for benefits in the future. This will be good for one town in Ontario.”
“I'm filling time by saying nice things about our government helping workers and industry. I want you to think we are doing a good job. I'm not going to talk about the problems you brought up.”
“I'm evading your question about a specific lease by talking about 'space' in general. I hope saying 'space is important' and talking about my old job will distract you so you don't notice that I didn't actually answer what you asked.”
“I don't like your accusation. Be careful. Space is good. The government should invest in space.”
“I don't want you to criticize our space industry decisions. You should only say nice things about our moon trip.”
“I want taxpayers to spend money on space in my riding. Never mind how much it costs or whether that company can deliver.”
“I want to change the subject to avoid the question. We should talk about other things.”
“I want to change the subject. Let's talk about anything except the money. I need taxpayers to spend more on my program. I want to talk about space and astronauts instead of money.”
“I want Canadians to be happy about space stuff. I don't want to talk about that land deal.”
“Why are you criticizing this? I want you to stop criticizing this program. I don't want to answer your question.”
“I still want my launch site. Talking to astronauts will make you agree with me.”
“I want to defend our economic record. Conservatives are too simplistic. The economy is complex. Canada is resilient and growing. Our AAA rating means our fiscal house is in order. I'm going to ignore the broken supply chains and inflation caused by government spending during the pandemic.”
“Lots of flattery for you. I get to look good asking you to talk about a financial term that makes us sound good. You get to talk up our record with a fancy statistic.”
“More flattery for you. I'm filling time with kind words and saying nothing anyone could pin down later. Canada and Germany have a good credit rating. This lets our government spend big.”