What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

8 latest topics

Oral Questions

The Economy

In a debate on the economy, the Conservatives blamed the Liberal government for Canada being the only G7 country in recession, citing high debt, insolvencies, and unemployment. The Liberals defended their record, pointing to global economic headwinds and a trade war, while touting plans to diversify the economy and support various industries and regions. The discussion featured plenty of partisan finger-pointing and rhetoric, with the Conservatives accusing the Liberals of spin and deflecting blame, while the Liberals accused the Conservatives of political theatre and irresponsibility. Most of the substance focused on criticizing the other side rather than detailing any specific plans or policies to improve Canada's economic situation.

Official Hansard ↗

Sandra Cobena

Conservative
“Why is Canada the only G7 country in a recession? I say it's the Prime Minister's fault, not the world's.”
Our translation 76% shorter

Hon. Wayne Long

Liberal
“Where is the Conservative leader? I don't want to answer the recession question. I want to talk about all the ways the government wants to spend money instead.”
Our translation 72% shorter

Sandra Cobena

Conservative
“The Liberals can't manage the economy now, so why trust their future promises? Canada should be thriving but it's the only G7 country in recession.”
Our translation 75% shorter

Hon. Wayne Long

Liberal
“The opposition is bad. Our party is good. We will spend money and that means the economy will be strong for everyone.”
Our translation 78% shorter

Jonathan Rowe

Conservative
“The economy is shrinking. Businesses are closing. The Prime Minister is ignoring it. I want the government to admit its policies caused a recession.”
Our translation 71% shorter

Hon. Joanne Thompson

Liberal
“I want to cheer for a program that spends money in my riding. I don't want to talk about the shrinking economy. Look at all the money we are spending!”
Our translation 57% shorter

Jonathan Rowe

Conservative
“You are ignoring the real problems. People are losing jobs and drowning in debt. But the government keeps pretending and spending. How much worse does it have to get for you to admit your plan isn't working?”
Our translation 54% shorter

Hon. Joanne Thompson

Liberal
“I want you to remember we are giving lots of money and programs to your province. We're expanding a military base and spending on housing. See, we are already doing so much for the people! Ignore the problems, we are focused!”
Our translation 61% shorter

Andrew Lawton

Conservative
“The Prime Minister said he'd fix the economy. Instead, Canada's the only G7 country in a recession. He's hiding from accountability while Canadians suffer. He should admit he caused this mess.”
Our translation 72% shorter

Yasir Naqvi

Liberal
“Canadians are struggling in uncertain economic times. The Prime Minister and government have a plan. We're signing trade deals to create jobs and sell things to other countries. Our plan is working.”
Our translation 73% shorter

Andrew Lawton

Conservative
“Families in my riding are struggling with high unemployment. The government keeps spending more money and won't acknowledge the consequences. Canada is the only G7 country in a recession. When will the government get serious and take responsibility for its actions?”
Our translation 66% shorter

Yasir Naqvi

Liberal
“I want Canadians to know that only our party can give them serious leadership. We need to diversify our economy and build partnerships with other countries like China and India to create good jobs.”
Our translation 70% shorter

Shuvaloy Majumdar

Conservative
“The economy is bad. I don't like that. The other party caused it. I want them to admit it.”
Our translation 84% shorter

Hon. John Zerucelli

Liberal
“The economy has problems. I know that. But we have a plan to fix it! Our plan will create lots of jobs all across the country. Then everything will be better.”
Our translation 69% shorter