What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

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Oral Questions

Health

In the Health debate during Oral Questions, the Conservatives pressed the Liberals about a failed $300 million electronic prescription program called PrescribeIT, alleging a lack of transparency and accountability over the wasted funds. The Liberals accused the Conservatives of blocking a committee study on HIV/AIDS and disputed claims about PrescribeIT's budget and the disbursement of funds. The debate was largely partisan sparring, with both sides talking past each other and making accusations rather than discussing substantive health policy issues.

Official Hansard ↗

Dan Mazier

Conservative
“I want the health committee to investigate a program that spent a lot of money. Why won't the other party let us investigate?”
Our translation 72% shorter

Hon. Marjorie Michel

Liberal
“I want to talk about something else. You're in the way. Maybe I'll talk about your thing later if you get out of the way now.”
Our translation 51% shorter

Helena Konanz

Conservative
“You wasted $300 million and now you're hiding from accountability. Work with us to investigate the failure of PrescribeIT.”
Our translation 71% shorter

Hon. Marjorie Michel

Liberal
“I'm changing the subject to AIDS because it makes you look bad. I already appeared at Finance committee, so the Health committee doesn't need to study this. I've said enough and I don't want to answer any more questions about PrescribeIT.”
Our translation 32% shorter

Matt Strauss

Conservative
“You know PrescribeIT wasted $300 million. You know you had to fire the CEO. So why give the same group that can't point to one accomplishment in 10 years another $50 million this year? That makes no sense.”
Our translation 59% shorter

Hon. Marjorie Michel

Liberal
“I might not have actually given the money yet. I'm deciding whether to spend the $50 million. But let me say we need health data infrastructure!”
Our translation 63% shorter