“That's confusing! Someone should ask the Prime Minister about this.”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
Recent debates
8 latest topics
Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act
57 statements
Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act
19 statements
Arab Heritage Month Act
5 statements
The Economy
15 statements
Government Priorities
2 statements
Government Priorities
2 statements
Housing
12 statements
The Environment
2 statements
Government Orders
Budget 2025 Implementation Act, No. 2
A sprawling budget bill affecting many aspects of the government and economy. MPs discussed various topics including steel industry jobs, provincial jurisdiction, economic challenges, aerospace policy, the high cost of food, and military investments. Some also complained about limited debate time for such a large bill.
“I'm filling time by talking about a budget bill nobody will remember. I'm going to complain that it spends too much and doesn't fix housing, but not propose any real cuts. Instead, I'll just demand the government do impossible things like make houses cheaper without saying how. I'll pad my speech with random numbers to sound smart. I'll pretend to be angry but not actually do anything.”
“I'm going to talk about the building code to sound smart. I don't like that provinces have their own codes. I want one big code for the whole country so all the houses can be the same. It's interesting that he wants lower standards. I think we should make the code even stricter for energy efficiency. It will make houses cost more up front, but I think it's worth it. He should look at the whole life cycle cost, not just the sticker price.”
“I'm glad you brought that up. It proves my point. If the government wants to force us to spend more on something, they should have to show us the benefit. They should make it really clear what we get for our money. That way we could decide if it's worth it. And about the building codes, I know it's not ideal that each province has its own. But the national code is so complicated and strict, the provinces can't use the whole thing. They have to pick and choose. If the government wants the provinces to use the national code, they need to make it easier to understand and use.”
“I want to make the other party look bad. I'll let you talk as long as you want if you'll say bad things about the government and its leader. Tell everyone how they broke their promises and lost to Trump. That'll make my party look better.”
“I don't like that the government is rushing this bill through the House without proper debate and committee study. It's a shame they're not following the normal process for bills.”
“The government should listen to what people want! Voters are telling us they want lower prices, safer streets, lower taxes, and cheaper housing. Why is this bill ignoring that?”
“The government should stop ignoring what Canadians really want. They want lower food prices, cheaper housing, and safer streets. The government keeps putting other things in the budget that don't help Canadians who are struggling. Canadians are using food banks more than ever and the government isn't doing anything about it. It's shameful that the government is acting this way.”
“I want the government to buy more military equipment, especially from companies in my riding. This new Defence Investment Agency will make it easier for the government to spend money on defence. We need to spend more money on defence to meet our NATO commitments. I think spending more money on defence will create jobs and help the economy. I want the government to give more money to defence companies in my riding.”
“The government is picking winners in the defence industry. The Prime Minister is talking about Saab and surveillance planes. But what about western Canada? What about jobs in my riding? Winnipeg's Magellan Aerospace makes parts for the F-35. I want the government to make a decision on fighter jets. And I want the member to advocate for aerospace jobs in my riding, not just in eastern Canada.”
“We used to not spend enough on defence. Now we're spending more. Everyone can get some of the money now. A rising tide lifts all boats. The fighter purchase will give jobs to everyone in every part of Canada. I can't say anything else about it.”
“You talk about buying Canadian and supporting the automotive industry. But we're bringing in 50,000 Chinese electric vehicles. The battery plant was cancelled. That's $15 billion not invested in Canada. How does importing all those Chinese vehicles help our auto manufacturers?”
“I want the government to spend more on electric car companies in Canada. I don't care about the 50,000 Chinese electric cars coming in. The government isn't buying those. I just want to cheer for the investments we already announced.”
“I want to cheer for the aerospace programs the government is buying in Manitoba. I don't want other MPs to criticize that spending. Don't mention which province benefits more. We should cheer for spending more in every province. I won't support any MP who criticizes or analyzes that spending. I want MPs to only cheer for all spending in every riding.”
“I want to dismiss any idea that one province benefits more from our spending. Taxpayers will spend everywhere so every MP should cheer for it. Don't analyze or criticize any spending. I insist we cheer for all of it.”
“The government wants more control over mineral rights in Nunavut. We're changing the law to block claims that we decide are not in the 'national interest.' If we cancel someone's rights, the government will decide if they get compensation and how much. We say this will protect sovereignty and security, but really it's a power grab so politicians and bureaucrats in Ottawa can pick winners and losers. I'm trying to sell this as good for Nunavut by saying we consulted Inuit groups, even though it gives the federal government final say over their lands and resources.”
“I'm pointing out how much more debt the government is adding and how much interest it will cost us every year. Even with the debt already over $1 trillion, they want to add billions more. I want to know how they can justify that when people are struggling with their own costs. They should stop being so irresponsible with our money.”
“I want to cheer for a lot of spending. The government should spend even more money. It's good if Nunavut gets some too.”
“Lori, do you like oil subsidies? That's bad for the environment. Does that make you sad?”
“Indigenous people know the land. I want more government money to work with them.”