“I like working with you. But I don't like everything the government does. The government is spending less money on public transit. That's bad. The government is spending money on oil companies. That's really bad. Spending money on oil companies is worse now than under Harper. That's very bad.”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
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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.
“I want to remove the fuel tax on gas and diesel. That would provide immediate relief at the pump. The Clean Fuel Standard is a tax. It makes Canadian manufacturers uncompetitive. It hurts our ability to market around the world. Canadians are struggling. They have trouble affording activities for their kids. This government has had bad policy for 10 years. We need relief now.”
“You say you want action on affordability, but you vote against our actions. Here's a good example. We made a permanent national food program for our schools. Do you think it's bad that we feed children?”
“You think your program to feed children is the only answer. You want more bureaucracy and more government programs. But I want people to have their own money. I want them to not need handouts. I want them to have good jobs. That's the Conservative way. It makes more sense. We should do it our way.”
“I want to control prices. Oil companies might raise their prices. That makes me sad. I want the government to control who benefits from lower taxes. Only some people should get lower taxes. Not everyone should get lower taxes. Especially rich people. I don't like that they might use more gas.”
“I want to make fuel cheaper for rural Canadians. They drive a lot. They have different needs than city people. Maybe Quebec is different. But lowering the cost of fuel would help all rural families immediately.”
“I want the government to stop taxing gas and diesel. Fuel is very expensive. My constituents need help. They drive a lot. They are afraid. The government got $8 billion from high oil prices. They should use it to cut gas taxes. My plan will save a family $1,218 per year. Canada's fuel is more expensive than America's. The government should do what other countries have done and cut fuel taxes. Stop talking and do something real to make life more affordable.”
“I understand why people are worried about high gas prices. But high prices are not the government's fault. Oil prices are high everywhere, not just in Canada. Cutting gas taxes would just help rich people.”
“I'm just telling personal stories here. My sons' friends can't afford as much as they want. I think the government should do something about it.”
“I want to reverse that last point. Rich people aren't the only ones who benefit if we repeal this fuel standard. Poor people need to drive too! If they only have $20 to put in their gas tank, that relief would help them a lot. This isn't just a luxury.”
“I want to add to your point. You're right, making fuel cheaper would help poor people, and not just when they drive. If we keep taxing fuel less, their food would cost less too! All these taxes make everything cost more. They're hurting people who don't have much money.”
“You say you want to help people afford gas. But your plan would make the deficit even bigger. How can you say you care about the deficit when you want to spend $5 billion to help oil companies instead of people?”
“I can't go home and tell people I raised their taxes. We need to do something that sounds good now so we can say we tried to help future generations.”
“I want a national food program so the government can feed 400,000 children. I don't trust Conservatives' numbers on gas prices. Conservatives say extreme things to make people angry. The government is helping with affordability. The government made a tax break for the middle class, eliminated GST for first-time homebuyers, and is sending out money in June.”
“I'm filling time saying the other speaker talked a lot but had nothing real to say. I don't like being called far right. The programs my opponent boasts about are too small and leave many out.”
“I want Conservatives to agree with me that my program will fix affordability. It's bad if they don't say my program is good. My program will help people. Conservatives should say my program is good.”
“You say Conservatives are right-wing, but I think Liberals are right-wing too. I think a tax cut helps the rich and oil companies. Oil companies didn't really lower prices. I think they just kept the money.”
“I want my party to get credit for cutting a tax. I'm filling time listing why I think it helps ordinary people. The Bloc should support this policy like other countries do.”
“I want you to stop taking credit for cutting a tax. I'll fill time with a story about a senior who is sad and has to choose between appointments and food. Gas prices are bad. I want you to say whether your riding has seniors like that.”
“Seniors needing to choose between medication and food is bad. I want you to give me credit for caring about this problem. I'll list many existing programs and payments to show you the government is helping seniors.”