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 ↗

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

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