“You're making weak excuses for Canada being the only G7 country in recession. Blaming it on low immigration and bragging about 0.2% per capita GDP growth won't cut it. Stop avoiding responsibility and give real answers.”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
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Oral Questions
The Economy
A debate about Canada's economy where the Conservatives repeatedly questioned why Canada is the only G7 country currently in a recession, while the Liberals argued that the overall plan is working and that external factors like tariffs and wars are contributing to economic challenges. Both sides traded barbs, and the Conservatives complained about Trudeau's lack of attendance to answer questions directly. Little discussion of actual economic policy - mostly just partisan sparring.
“The Prime Minister is too polite to just say this to your face, but I'll say it. You don't have a plan. You're insulting the media to try to distract from that. Well, it won't work, because our plan is working splendidly and we have the numbers to prove it. I hope you're taking notes.”
“Look, Canada's the only G7 country in a recession. We're falling behind and you're skipping question period. All you have are excuses, like trying to claim investment is up. Investment's down for the fifth quarter in a row! I think you're just making things up now.”
“There are problems, sure, but we have a plan. We're spending money on it. Businesses are buying things. You know what we don't have? The opposition's plan. I'd rather talk about that.”
“I want to blame the Prime Minister. The economy is bad and he's making excuses. Mexico is doing better. The Prime Minister says it's because we don't have enough immigrants. He thinks our economy per person isn't so bad. But the economy per person only went up 0.2%. That's nothing to celebrate.”
“I want Canadians to blame America and the world for our problems. I'm spending lots of money on programs in Liberal areas. I don't like the Opposition leader asking questions.”
“I want to blame the government for a recession. Other countries have problems too but they're not in a recession. The Prime Minister is making excuses.”
“I'm going to ignore your criticism because I don't have a real answer. You are bad. Stop hurting our feelings. You should help the country by saying nice things.”
“I am attacking you. I want you to feel guilty. I think you caused a recession. I'm going to make you look bad by talking about people who are hurt by it.”
“I want you to feel excited about government spending. I think spending will be good for the economy. I'm going to talk about all the ways we are spending money.”
“That makes me sad. People are struggling. I want you to blame the Prime Minister.”
“I'm filling time with numbers and talking points that make the government sound good. Don't look too closely at the details.”