What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

8 latest topics

Oral Questions

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

A wide-ranging bill to strengthen Canada's immigration system and borders. Among many provisions, it eliminates the 'designated countries of origin' regime, increases maximum penalties under the Proceeds of Crime and Terrorist Financing Act, and amends the Sex Offender Information Registration Act. In debate, Conservatives focused on temporary health coverage for asylum claimants, which they characterized as 'luxury, taxpayer-funded' care. Liberals countered that asylum claims are down 59% due to their measures, and that criminals should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law regardless of immigration status.

Official Hansard ↗

Burton Bailey

Conservative
“I don't like that rejected refugees get luxury health care instead of being deported. The government lost 28,000 of them. They ran off and are still billing Canadians. Where are these 28,000 fraudsters? When will the government deport them?”
Our translation 51% shorter

Dan Mazier

Conservative
“You said rejected refugees are the most vulnerable people. But a rejected refugee named William Imona-Russel raped two women and killed a 20-year-old girl while still in Canada. The Liberal plan gives criminals like him physiotherapy and home care. Do Liberals think rejected refugees should get better health benefits than Canadians?”
Our translation 37% shorter

Costas Menegakis

Conservative
“The other party messed up. Their system doesn't work. It spends too much money on the wrong people. They should admit it's bad and stop wasting taxpayer money.”
Our translation 71% shorter

Hon. Michelle Rempel Garner

Conservative
“A non-citizen committed a crime 14 times. They should have been deported. A judge gave them house arrest instead. That's wrong. The other party is okay with criminals not being deported. I don't like that.”
Our translation 68% shorter

Hon. Michelle Rempel Garner

Conservative
“I want this bill to pass so the government can claim it is helping families.”
Our translation 88% shorter