“I want to say that the high costs are because of high volumes. I'm glad the Parliamentary Budget Officer confirmed that. We cut the number of asylum seekers by 60%. We're saving money now. We're doing a good job.”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
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Oral Questions
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
A wide-ranging bill to strengthen Canada's immigration system and borders. The debate featured the usual partisan sparring, with the Conservatives accusing the Liberals of mismanaging the immigration system and the Liberals defending their record and touting recent reforms. Much of the discussion focused on a recent report from the Parliamentary Budget Officer on the costs of the interim federal health program for asylum seekers.
“I will be at the committee for four hours. I want you to know these claimants are real people who pay taxes and get work permits. The budget officer confirmed that the amount they contribute is equal to what they receive. I want you to understand these are real human beings.”
“I want to defend our record. The minister will be answering questions about it. We have reduced the number of temporary Canadians and asylum seekers. We have saved money for Canadians. But I want to know why the Conservatives are against providing health care to vulnerable people like those fleeing the war in Ukraine.”
“I will repeat kind statements about our health program but not actually respond to your point.”
“The PBO did say we'll save money soon. I'm talking about the future savings to dodge her point about the big spending right now. And hey, you voted for that bill too, so there.”