What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

8 latest topics

Government Orders

Business of Supply

The Conservatives moved a motion criticizing the government's economic record. They claimed Canada has the only economy in recession in the G7, the worst household debt, the worst housing costs, and the second highest unemployment. But most of the debate consisted of MPs speechifying about their own qualifications, bragging about their ridings, sparring over procedure, and accusing each other of lacking substance. Very little time was spent actually discussing and debating the specific economic issues raised in the motion.

Official Hansard ↗

Kelly McCauley

Conservative
“I want tax reform and regulatory reform. The current environment is driving away investment. The government needs to stop pretending its announcements are helping and actually fix the problem.”
Our translation 68% shorter

Dean Allison

Conservative
“I want to repeat the same question as before. If businesses aren't investing, the economy won't grow. There have been five quarters of negative growth already. How will the economy grow if this keeps up?”
Our translation 31% shorter

Kelly McCauley

Conservative
“The member is right. The economy in Canada is shrinking, but not in Mexico. Mexico relies on the U.S. even more than we do, and they're doing fine. Mexico doesn't have a Liberal government holding it back like we do.”
Our translation 46% shorter

Karim Bardeesy

Liberal
“I'm going to talk a lot about our big government plans. I'll list many different programs and strategies. Our electricity strategy. Our minerals strategy. Our auto strategy. Research programs that bring in scientists from around the world. Space programs with astronauts. High-speed rail and motorcycle companies in my riding. I like them all. They show government is doing a lot of things. Then I'll say the economy is more than just numbers. It's community and housing too. Our government is spending money on many things. I think all the spending is good and will help people. That's why I'm opposing the opposition's motion.”
Our translation 94% shorter

Warren Steinley

Conservative
“You brag about research funding but you cut funding for agriculture and weather research in Saskatchewan. What about the people you are leaving behind?”
Our translation 79% shorter

Karim Bardeesy

Liberal
“I visited university research facilities in Saskatchewan. They're world-class facilities attracting scientists from around the world. Great things are happening because of our research funding.”
Our translation 73% shorter

Alexis Deschênes

Bloc Québécois
“Exports are bad. The forestry industry has big U.S. duties. The government should pay off those duties to help businesses. Why didn't they do what we suggested?”
Our translation 68% shorter

Karim Bardeesy

Liberal
“I know the forestry industry has problems. We already spend on programs for it. I won't say if we considered your idea, but I'll keep talking.”
Our translation 73% shorter

Leah Gazan

NDP
“You should say whether you'll keep forcing a pipeline through indigenous land without their full consent. I want you to take this tribunal finding seriously. I want more for indigenous self-determination.”
Our translation 68% shorter

Karim Bardeesy

Liberal
“We're trying to have it both ways by saying nice things about UNDRIP and indigenous rights while still pushing a pipeline through.”
Our translation 60% shorter
“I want to cheer for a program that spends money in my riding.”
Our translation 77% shorter

Karim Bardeesy

Liberal
“I want to layer it on thick that our government is a big help to local programs.”
Our translation 63% shorter

Hon. Mark Gerretsen

Liberal
“I want to look busy while my own party is speaking. I will talk about something else.”
Our translation 84% shorter

Hon. Mark Gerretsen

Liberal
“I don't like the Conservatives' attack strategy. Canadians don't want that approach. Conservatives should stop attacking and provide solutions instead.”
Our translation 98% shorter

Warren Steinley

Conservative
“The stuff that Liberal said didn't mention Canadians, or food banks, or the hungry survey. He only talked about himself and his party and media questions. But his leader won't talk at all.”
Our translation 78% shorter

Hon. Mark Gerretsen

Liberal
“I want to help that Conservative. I criticized his party but I wasn't just talking about myself. Of course I care about Canadians too. He should listen to my helpful advice.”
Our translation 73% shorter

Xavier Barsalou-Duval

Bloc Québécois
“You said you used AI to analyze our motion. I thought MPs were elected to think for themselves about House debates. But lately, Liberal MPs are using foreign algorithms to analyze bills and opposition motions instead. How common is this?”
Our translation 57% shorter

Hon. Mark Gerretsen

Liberal
“Nice try. I don't use scripts or notes when I speak. I spoke from the heart, only glancing at my phone for a few lines. But during question period, the other parties read pre-written questions 70% of the time. Who writes those? For me, I stand here and speak my mind without help or notes.”
Our translation 56% shorter

Louis Villeneuve

Liberal
“I want to say the Conservatives are completely wrong about Canada failing because many people have jobs and businesses. Canada's economy is strong!”
Our translation 43% shorter

Hon. Mark Gerretsen

Liberal
“I want to say my party is responding to an uncertain world. We are setting up to have a diverse economy that doesn't rely too much on one trading partner. I have confidence in our leader to do this. I want to say the opposition leader is not a good alternative.”
Our translation 48% shorter