“That makes me angry. You're ignoring how much money is leaving Canada. Money going away is worse than money coming in. Liberals are detached from reality.”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
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A House of Commons debate ostensibly about Canada's economy and possible recession devolved into the usual partisan bickering, with the Conservatives criticizing Liberal policies and the Liberals defending their record. Members spent much of the time giving congratulatory speeches about a retiring MP, which had little to do with the actual topic at hand. The politicians mostly avoided substantive discussion of economic issues, preferring instead to score points against each other.
“I'm going to talk about a problem that makes people sad. Many Canadians have trouble buying food. Food banks are very busy. The Liberals want to talk about big expensive ideas. But those ideas won't help real people. Canada is the worst in G7 for food affordability.”
“The Liberals have been in power for 11 years. The people visiting food banks have a hard life. Canadians have lots of debt. Housing costs a lot. Food costs a lot. Canada is not doing well compared to other G7 countries. I don't like that. I blame the Liberals.”
“I'm focusing on a complex system issue. I want EI reform for gig and part-time workers. More workers should get benefits they paid into. That's what Food Banks Canada is calling for.”
“I'm blaming rising food prices on the government's inflationary spending and on several food taxes. I want the Conservatives' motion to scrap those taxes to pass. I'm frustrated the Liberals voted it down and called the taxes imaginary. I want people focused on household expenses, not government PR.”
“I want to make the government look bad by listing problems like rising unemployment, bankruptcies, and household debt. I'm claiming the government ignored warning signs and made policy choices that caused these problems. I want the government to admit its mistakes and change course. I'm frustrated the government isn't taking these issues seriously.”
“I'm filling time with kind words and saying nothing anyone could pin down later.”
“The memo doesn't say much. It won't make people invest. Big companies spend more on red tape than on building. Get rid of the red tape.”
“Liberals made our economy bad. Conservatives would make it good. Our economy was good 11 years ago. Now it is the worst. Liberals are bad.”
“Liberals have confusing rules. Conservatives would make the rules clear. Investors want clear rules. Clear rules would be good for Canada.”
“I respect some Conservatives. But they didn't deliver pharmacare in Alberta. Is that Danielle Smith's fault or Trudeau's fault?”
“Alberta's social programs are fine. The federal government should not add another program on top. Provinces can handle it themselves.”
“I'm saying goodbye. I've done a good job. I made a difference. I'm proud of myself. Climate change is bad. I think we're doing the right things. Government should do more. I'm going to a new job now. Thanks everyone.”
“The hon. member and I disagreed on many things. We had a lot of arguments. But we were always professional and respectful. I thanked him for his service. Being an MP is hard work. We have staff who help us. They don't get enough credit. They should be thanked every day. Some MPs continue to serve Canada even after they leave Parliament. The Prime Minister asks them to keep helping. They say yes. I think they could ask more former MPs to help too. I wish the hon. member well. We disagreed but I respect his service.”
“I have known the hon. member for a long time. We worked together in government. We have a similar background. That might be why we get along. I think he was always even-handed with the opposition. I like that he learned French in office. I usually speak to ministers in French. There are small nuances people miss when it is not their first language. Like 'new adventures' means something different in French. The hon. member has always laughed heartily. That says a lot about someone. It shows they are friendly and likeable. I wish the hon. member well.”
“I want to say nice things about the hon. member for North Vancouver—Capilano. He did a good job in government. Everyone knows him for working hard. He got us to spend money on salmon conservation. British Columbia MPs especially like him. The hon. member made a difference. Now he's going to be ambassador in Europe. I think he'll do well there. I joked he should remember he used to be a Young New Democrat. I asked what Tommy Douglas would do. I wished him well.”
“It's sad to see the member for North Vancouver—Capilano go. It's better knowing he'll represent Canada well as ambassador to the European Union. Me and the member were friends. We worked a lot together in Environment Committee. He did good work on fisheries, banning single-use plastics, protecting wild salmon, carbon pricing, and the post-carbon economy. I thanked him for his service and wished him well representing Canada. I suggested he should change Canada's position to make ecocide a crime. I told him to keep up the good work.”
“I'm sad that the member for North Vancouver—Capilano is leaving. He did a good job for our area. I've known him for 12 years. The only good thing is that he will still help Canada in his new job. He worked with good people. I think he should thank those people now.”
“I want to thank many people who helped me in my job. I thank public servants, my staff, and volunteers. They did good work. People should be proud of them. They helped me do my job well.”
“I want to talk about the economy. The Prime Minister knows about economics. But Canada is in a recession. The government says they have a plan that is working. But Canada is still in a recession. That's bad. The government's plan isn't working.”