What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

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Oral Questions

Justice

In a debate ostensibly about justice, the Bloc Québécois and Liberals mostly argued about Quebec independence, referendum rules, and recent economic announcements in Quebec. Democracy and federalism were discussed in the abstract, but no concrete policy or justice issues were substantively addressed.

Official Hansard ↗

Yves Perron

Bloc Québécois
“Why won't you take Quebec seriously? Deep down, you're just another cheater who won't respect our vote unless it goes your way.”
Our translation 78% shorter

Hon. Steven MacKinnon

Liberal
“I don't want to answer your point about rules and self-determination. Let me change the subject to all the ways the government claims it is helping Quebec's economy.”
Our translation 72% shorter

Yves Perron

Bloc Québécois
“The Prime Minister brought up referendum rules first, not us. He's the one eager to meddle. Why is he so eager to prove he'll cheat to win?”
Our translation 74% shorter

Hon. Steven MacKinnon

Liberal
“I want to talk about something else. The real election is far away. Quebec separation is far away. Quebec separation would be very bad.”
Our translation 67% shorter