“I want to make the government look bad. They spent too much money. Now we have lots of problems.”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
Recent debates
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Oral Questions
The Economy
Members of Parliament debated the state of Canada's economy, with Conservatives arguing the Liberal government's spending and policies have driven Canada into a recession with rising job losses and food insecurity. The Liberals countered that their programs like grocery benefits, school food initiatives, and investments in major projects are helping Canadians despite economic challenges. Much of the discussion consisted of partisan sparring, criticizing each other's records and talking points.
“We're giving money to lots of people and companies. Don't worry about where it comes from. We just want you to like us.”
“Canada has more unemployment than other countries. The government wastes lots of money. The Liberals spent way too much on some program and rented land. Why should Canadians sacrifice when the government spends like crazy?”
“We spend lots of money on programs. The school food program gives families $800. We also have a dental care program. 32,000 people in your riding use it. You voted against the program. We're helping Canadians!”
“You are bad because people have less money now. The economy is smaller. But your friends are richer. You must fix this.”
“You talked about productivity before. You say nothing now that it is up. I think that's bad and you should feel bad.”
“G7 countries face challenges. Canada's economy is in recession. Government spends too much of taxpayers' money. One app cost way over budget. A program went over budget. The Prime Minister spent too much on food for his flights. I think the Prime Minister should spend taxpayers' money properly.”
“I want to change the subject. Let's talk about a different program instead. Are you for or against this other program? Answer me that.”
“The government is making life more expensive. I want to blame the government for high prices and people using food banks.”
“People in my riding know we're trying hard. We gave them money. Conservatives didn't vote for it.”
“I want Canadians to think Conservatives hope for bad news. I'm setting up my coworker to talk about how great we are.”
“I want Canadians to think Conservatives only offer political theater. I'm saying we have a plan and it's working. I'm saying this is good for Canadians and bad for Conservatives.”
“Canada is in a recession. Food banks are busy. I want the Prime Minister to explain why he thinks we're the only G7 country in this mess.”
“I want to change the subject from the recession to cheering for some industries that are doing okay. Look, a few things are going well! Stop asking about everyone struggling.”
“Canada is the only G7 country in recession. Canadians can't ignore this like that secretary did. People need food banks even with full time jobs. All G7 countries face global challenges, but only this government put Canada in recession. Why should Canadians pay for your mistakes?”
“I want the Conservatives to stop criticizing the government. They did nothing for Saskatchewan. I want the Liberals in power because they do more.”
“I want to blame the Liberals for Canada's recession. I don't want them making excuses with global factors. Other countries aren't in a recession, so it must be the government's fault.”
“I know people are stressed about the economy. But we're giving kids food at school, and soon families will get grocery money. That's real help happening now.”
“The Liberals pretend everything's fine, but our economy's in trouble. 100,000 jobs lost. Business investment down five quarters in a row. People can't make ends meet. But the Prime Minister is hiding from questions. He won't even show his face. Why is the Prime Minister missing when Canada needs him? This is a real crisis - ours is the only G7 country in a recession.”
“I'm ignoring the economy and job losses. I want to talk about how much money the government is spending in the member's province instead. Look at all the rebates and programs! We're spending so much to help people. The member should vote for our spending.”