What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

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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.

Official Hansard ↗

Hon. Pierre Poilievre

Conservative
“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.”
Our translation 54% shorter

Hon. Pierre Poilievre

Conservative
“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.”
Our translation 48% shorter

Hon. Pierre Poilievre

Conservative
“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.”
Our translation 52% shorter

Hon. Pierre Poilievre

Conservative
“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.”
Our translation 72% shorter

Hon. Pierre Poilievre

Conservative
“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.”
Our translation 67% shorter

Hon. Pierre Poilievre

Conservative
“That makes me sad. People are struggling. I want you to blame the Prime Minister.”
Our translation 86% shorter