“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.
“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.”
“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 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 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 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.”
“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.”