What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

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Oral Questions

Public Safety

In a debate about public safety, the Conservatives raised concerns about Canada's secret agreements with China's Ministry of Public Security, in light of evidence that China has used these agreements to coerce Canadians. The Liberals said they welcome China's foreign minister and will work with China on shared priorities, but provided no details about the substance of the agreements or the conversations.

Official Hansard ↗

Hon. Michael Chong

Conservative
“Beijing abused the last MOU to coerce Canadians. Now the government says Beijing is our greatest security threat, but they won't release the new MOU they signed. I want the government to release the MOU so Canadians know they won't be coerced to return to the PRC.”
Our translation 52% shorter

Hon. Anita Anand

Liberal
“I'm saying nothing new. We signed secret deals with China before, so it's fine we're still doing it now. I'll meet their foreign minister and talk, but I won't release the MOU.”
Our translation 59% shorter

Hon. Michael Chong

Conservative
“The government says China is a threat but won't release the secret MOU. I think Canadians deserve to see it. I want the minister to bring up China's repression and interference when she meets their foreign minister.”
Our translation 47% shorter

Hon. Anita Anand

Liberal
“I'm filling time with kind words and saying nothing anyone could pin down later. I refuse to say whether I'll bring up China's repression and interference with their foreign minister.”
Our translation 58% shorter

Adam Chambers

Conservative
“You're hiding something. Release the secret deals you made with China. Can't you see China is worse than America? China is the real threat to Canada.”
Our translation 75% shorter

Hon. Anita Anand

Liberal
“I'll keep saying we're protecting Canada. You don't need to see anything. Just trust us.”
Our translation 77% shorter