“I want to say I respect the other speaker. But I don't want to answer the question about refugee rights. I just want to say the agreement with the U.S. still exists.”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
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A bill to make many changes to Canada's immigration and border control laws. During debate, Conservatives asked questions about specific cases and raised concerns about fraud, while the Liberal minister responded but often discussed unrelated topics like Canada Summer Jobs and praised a Liberal colleague.
“I want to look responsive. I want Canadians to think we are on track. I want to say our office is doing the best we can.”
“I want Canada's immigration process to be faster and more efficient. We are working hard to improve it. I want skilled immigrants to choose Canada.”
“Many people need home care workers. We paused the program because it was too popular. We can't accept more applications until we process some of the current ones. We are working on it.”
“I want to look good by saying kind words about our plans and numbers. But I'm not really saying anything new that answers the question you asked.”
“That's a good question. We do have a plan with numbers. I went to many places to talk about it. But it's not about money or staff. The real problem is we only recently introduced this temporary resident plan in 2024.”
“I'm the minister and I say we have a plan. It's transparent because I say it is. The opposition asks questions because our plan is so different from other years. I'll keep doing my best.”
“I don't care what you think. We're doing our thing.”
“I'd like to say nice things about my colleague and her experience, but I'm not actually going to answer her question.”
“I don't want to give a clear answer. I will talk around the question instead.”
“We watch the US. Our method is robust. We protect refugees.”
“I already said there's a framework. The department is monitoring. I am saying nothing new.”
“I don't have a direct answer for that question. I'm going to repeat some vague details about how we work with other departments, and hope that's enough to make me look competent.”
“I'm filling time with kind words and saying nothing anyone could pin down later.”
“I don't have the number you're asking for. I'll just list some stats that sound good instead.”
“I'm going to ignore your question and talk about something else my government did years ago.”
“I'm filling time with nice words and avoiding the question.”
“I want to repeat what I already said and avoid answering the question.”
“I am going to continue talking and hope everyone forgets that I did not answer the question.”
“I have numbers to make me look good. I won't answer the actual question.”