“I talk about grocery stories and moms. That makes me seem caring. Then I point out Canada's economy is shrinking and lost jobs. Why is Canada doing so much worse than other countries?”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
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Oral Questions
The Economy
The Economy. Members traded partisan barbs over the state of Canada's economy, with the Conservatives arguing it is shrinking and in recession while the Liberals cited investments being made and claimed Canada will have the second-fastest growing economy in the G7. The debate was highly partisan with both sides talking past each other and mainly focused on scoring political points rather than substantive discussion of economic issues.
“Look, we face some problems. Conservatives are just talking and talking. But we're doing a lot of stuff to make Canada's economy grow. Exports are doubling! Lots of people are investing here! It means we're doing a good job. Conservatives just want to talk very loud instead.”
“The last 11 years of Liberals running things are just bad. Things are really bad now for that single mom who doesn't have a job. Lots of people need food banks and that's bad. Businesses are spending less money here. America is getting lots of money that used to be spent in Canada and that's because of this bad Prime Minister we have. Our economy has shrunk three out of four times we measured it! No other big rich country - not America, not Japan, not England - is doing as bad as us. The Prime Minister should stop trying to make America great. He should explain why Canada is doing bad instead.”
“In the last election Canadians chose our guy. He's really good with business stuff. We will make Canada's economy the best in the world! Look, we're spending lots of money on things like roads and houses and army stuff. We're going to make the economy strong by spending money. We're cutting taxes too. Those other guys? All they do is talk in parking lots with silly props.”
“I say there is a recession. I blame the government for making everything cost more. Jobs are leaving my area. People are moving away. I say the recession is the government's fault. If everything is really just about world energy and trade, why are other countries not in a recession too?”
“I want to talk about my party's spending. We promised a lot of money for harbours. I say creating jobs in fishing is good. There are also millions for collecting abandoned fishing gear. I think our programs are making the economy strong.”
“I want the government to admit its economic plan failed. Our economy is the worst in the G7. Our economy is shrinking and unemployment is high. Stop making promises and fix the real problems.”
“I don't like your criticism of our economy. I will talk about apprenticeship programs and spending projects instead to make our government look good. I think you should stop complaining and talk to people who have jobs.”
“I want to blame the Liberals for the economy shrinking. I don't like how you keep saying it's the fastest growing. But it's not. Many people lost jobs this year. If it's because of the world, why is only Canada in trouble?”
“I want to defend the government against these attacks. Bank of Canada says don't focus too narrowly. But I say the economy is good! Almost the fastest! Foreign money is coming in. Wages are up. We're really not so bad, even if the world causes trouble.”
“I want to blame the Liberals for Canada's recession. I want to say they caused lost jobs and food insecurity. I don't want to discuss external causes.”
“I want to look optimistic. I want to say Canada's economy is strong because we spent a lot on many things. I want to ignore that other person's specific complaints about jobs and food and just cheer.”
“Investors are leaving Canada and people are losing their jobs. Canadians are struggling to make ends meet. The Prime Minister needs to admit his policies are causing this recession and driving away investment and jobs.”
“I want to talk about how great our economy is doing. Look at all these deals and agreements we made! Countries are choosing Canada. I'm not going to address the recession or job losses.”