“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.”
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 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 the government to do more to be compassionate. Canadians are good people and taxpayers should pay for it.”
“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.”
“The government isn't giving me enough. I want more money!”
“I don't care what you think. We're doing our thing.”
“Have you checked if our safe third country deal is still legit after all these sketchy deportation laws?”
“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.”
“Answer yes or no. Did you review it? Did you break the rules? I want to criticize you.”
“We watch the US. Our method is robust. We protect refugees.”
“You won't say yes. I demand data on people we gave to the US.”
“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.”
“It doesn't matter what you just said. I'm going to ask about a different process I don't think anyone is monitoring. I expect the answer is also no.”
“I want Canada to let in students from a conflict zone without normal visa checks. Other countries did it, so we should too.”
“I'm filling time with kind words and saying nothing anyone could pin down later.”
“I am asking how many names the government has submitted to Israel and Egypt for exit clearance under the special immigration measure for Gazans.”
“I don't have the number you're asking for. I'll just list some stats that sound good instead.”
“You didn't answer my question. I want a different number. Make your staff find it for you.”
“I'm going to ignore your question and talk about something else my government did years ago.”