What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

8 latest topics

Oral Questions

The Economy

Members debated Canada's economy. The Conservatives raised that Canada is the only G7 nation currently in recession and criticized the Liberal government's economic management. The Liberals highlighted challenges like the U.S. tariff war, but pointed to specific job creation numbers and government actions to support workers. Both sides traded partisan jabs, with the Conservatives calling out the Prime Minister's absence from the debate.

Official Hansard ↗

Hon. Pierre Poilievre

Conservative
“I want to blame the Prime Minister for Canada being in a recession.”
Our translation 75% shorter

Hon. Mélanie Joly

Liberal
“I want to make our recession look less bad by bragging about a few specific companies that added jobs.”
Our translation 81% shorter

Hon. Pierre Poilievre

Conservative
“I want to blame the government for causing a recession. Canada's economy is worse than other countries. People can't pay their mortgage or feed themselves.”
Our translation 74% shorter

Hon. Dominic LeBlanc

Liberal
“I don't want to look like I'm doing nothing. I'm filling time with kind words and saying nothing anyone could pin down later.”
Our translation 74% shorter

Hon. Pierre Poilievre

Conservative
“Canada's economy is the worst. Why are we the only ones in a recession under this guy's leadership?”
Our translation 77% shorter

Hon. Tim Hodgson

Liberal
“The economy is doing badly because of the US, not us. We are trying to make it better by building mines and pipelines. You should stop complaining and help us.”
Our translation 74% shorter

Hon. Pierre Poilievre

Conservative
“The economy is bad and it's your fault. Mexico isn't in a recession, only Canada. Lost jobs, high unemployment, worse than the US. Money is leaving Canada, investments are dropping, mortgages are defaulting. All bad since you took over. Why is it only Canada in trouble?”
Our translation 64% shorter

Hon. David McGuinty

Liberal
“You say the economy is bad, but look, our government spending on ships and planes is creating jobs! Thousands of jobs! Why are you so negative? Support our programs!”
Our translation 65% shorter

Hon. Pierre Poilievre

Conservative
“The Prime Minister is making the economy worse and hiding from questions. Canada is the only G7 country in a recession. He said he would fix a crisis, but he made one instead. The Prime Minister should stop avoiding accountability and answer questions.”
Our translation 63% shorter

Hon. Patty Hajdu

Liberal
“We spent money when things were bad. If you don't vote for our spending, you're ignoring workers.”
Our translation 82% shorter

Hon. Pierre Poilievre

Conservative
“People are struggling. Food banks are empty. The government is failing families.”
Our translation 87% shorter

Hon. Patty Hajdu

Liberal
“I want to blame the other party for voting against my programs. I'm cherry-picking one nice quote from the report to downplay how many people are struggling.”
Our translation 72% shorter