What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

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Oral Questions

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

During question period, the Conservatives asked the Liberal government about taxpayer funding for housing asylum claimants, suggesting it was wasteful spending on hotels. The Liberals argued that hotels were not being used and accused the Conservatives of fixating on asylum claimants instead of proposing meaningful immigration reforms. The Conservatives then criticized the cost of the interim federal health program for failed asylum claimants who have not yet been deported.

Official Hansard ↗

Fred Davies

Conservative
“You spent millions on hotels for asylum claimants. Canada is in a recession. Stop hiding behind labels and admit it.”
Our translation 80% shorter

Fred Davies

Conservative
“The Liberals are wasting money on hotels for asylum claimants. Canadians are struggling. I want the minister to admit this directly.”
Our translation 77% shorter

Burton Bailey

Conservative
“I want to cut health care for failed asylum claimants. If they don't get free physio and counselling on the taxpayer's dime, they'll leave Canada. Stop giving them handouts and deport them already. You're spending too much on the wrong people.”
Our translation 51% shorter