A massive budget bill making changes to many areas of law. Debate was dominated by the Bloc complaining that Quebec isn't getting enough money and powers, Conservatives saying the economy is struggling under Liberal policies, and Liberals talking up the various spending and programs in the bill. Little substantive discussion of the bill's actual provisions.
“I don't like this bill. I want the government to listen to my party's ideas. We made 11 proposals but the government won't even talk to us. They have a majority so they don't think they need to. It's insulting that they won't consider our ideas. We're a serious party doing serious work. The government should stop subsidizing oil companies and do more for other priorities. If they want our support they need to respect us and work with us.”
“You were more cooperative when you needed our votes. Now you have a majority. You don't need us. You're ignoring us. A minority government is better.”
“I want the government to listen to me. I want them to support our berry alcohol bill. They did it before for mead. They should do it again for us. There are many MPs who should agree with me. The government spends lots on oil companies. They should spend a little on our small businesses.”
“I don't like that the Liberals want all the credit for passing private members' bills. I think the Liberals should talk to the Bloc Québécois more. We have good ideas like wage subsidies for small businesses. But the Liberals didn't talk to us about it. They just want us to vote on the budget this week. I'm not happy about that.”
“I'm going to make a point about how the Bloc Québécois is close with small businesses in Quebec. These businesses are struggling. The government's programs aren't helping them. What should the government have done differently? I'm not going to say. But I want my colleague to talk about it.”
“I'm going to complain that the government is only giving loans to small businesses. That's not enough. They need more help. I think the government wants small businesses to fail. They only care about big companies. The government should work with us to find a solution. That's their job.”
“I want to score political points in Quebec. I think the federal government should give us more money. I will use emotional language about asylum seekers to help me argue for the money.”
“I like you. I want to talk about berry alcohol. I want the government to help some businesses by taxing people less. Why won't the government give them money too?”
