“Canada's economy is a mess. The government spent too much and added too many rules. Everything costs more and it's harder to find work. Other countries dealt with the same problems but they're doing better than us. The government is blaming everyone but itself. It's their fault.”
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
Oral Questions
The Economy
Canada is the only G7 country currently in a recession after two consecutive quarters of economic decline. The Conservatives pointed out rising food insecurity, job losses, income insecurity, insolvencies, and housing costs as evidence of the government's mismanagement. The Liberals defended their record by citing private investments, infrastructure projects, and affordability measures like cutting the gas excise tax and a grocery rebate program. The debate was marked by political spin and finger-pointing from both sides.
“I don't want to answer that. Lots of companies are spending money. The CEOs wouldn't spend money if they didn't think it was a good idea. Trust them, not the question.”
“We want families to afford their bills. Canada has the only G7 recession. That's your fault. Admit it and do everything our way instead.”
“Our spending is fine. We did some good trade deals. The opposition should cheer for us.”
“Canada's economy is shrinking. People are hungry. The Prime Minister keeps spending lots of money on fancy food and trips. That's not fair when regular families have to cut back.”
“I'm filling time listing big expensive things the government is buying. The other party doesn't like it when I list big expensive things.”
“The other party spends too much. Canadians have less money because of it. Even people with jobs need food banks now. It's not because of other countries. The other party did this.”
“Look at all the big projects we're building! Lots of investment and jobs! We have a plan, even if there are some trade challenges. I want you to think we're handling the economy well.”
“You promised growth and instead we're in recession. You're spending lots of money on yourself while people are at food banks. Stop spending so much, get a trade deal, and build a pipeline.”
“You say things are bad, but we're spending lots of money! Look, in your riding we're spending money on a sewer. That will create jobs! Ignore the bad and look at all the money we're spending.”
“Canada's economy is a mess under the Liberals. I want the government to stop making it worse. Stop punishing our energy industry. Let pipelines and business grow and create jobs.”
“I want Canadians to think we have a strong economy because the government is spending money on big projects everywhere. Don't think about whether it's too much money.”
“I want to blame the government for a bad economy. Canada is the only G7 country in a recession. I don't buy the excuses about tariffs. The government should take responsibility.”
“I want to remind everyone there is a trade war. That's why the government is spending money on grocery benefits. Millions of people will get the money soon. It will help a lot. That's what the government should do.”
“The government's grocery benefit is not enough. Many Canadians still need food banks. The benefit will not even help most workers. Why is Canada in a recession when no other G7 country is?”
“We have created new spending programs. Kids need to eat. The government needs to spend. Spending will make food cheaper. Day care and dental care should be free. The Canada child benefit should be bigger. The tariff war means we need to spend more. Yes, our programs are working.”
“The economy is bad. The Liberals caused a recession. Food bank use has gone up a lot. Lower-income families are struggling. The government is bragging about this. Tariffs and energy problems are not the only cause. Other countries are doing better. The government should do better.”
“I don't like that you're pointing out problems. I'll list some good-sounding numbers instead. Our economy is actually good! You're just saying bad things to make us look bad.”