“Canada has the worst economy in the G20. I want the Prime Minister to admit how badly he's failed.”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
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Oral Questions
The Economy
In a debate on the economy, the Conservative opposition leader repeatedly pressed the Liberal Prime Minister on Canada being the only G20 country currently in a recession, with two consecutive quarters of declining GDP. The Prime Minister dodged the questions, wishing the opposition leader happy birthday instead and making vague claims about building a stronger economy, while the opposition leader pointed out rising food bank usage and high unemployment under the PM's watch.
“You said no to that request. I'll make you say no again to this one. Are we in a recession or a technical recession?”
“I want to look like I am doing well on the economy. I will ignore the bad GDP and jobs numbers and talk about how I want the economy to be good in the future.”
“I want the Prime Minister to answer my question about the shrinking economy. Canadians deserve real answers. Are we in a recession or not?”
“I don't want to directly answer your question about whether we're in a recession. Instead I'll cite some institutes that predict growth. Take that.”
“You won't give a straight answer about whether we're in a recession. I'll remind everyone that people are losing jobs and struggling.”
“I want to correct the record and remind everyone that I made a lot of promises during the election. My main promise was to protect Canadians from the opposition's policies. I also promised to introduce policies for a better economy. That's what we're doing now.”
“The Prime Minister promised a strong economy. Instead he made a recession. Canadians need food banks while he spends lots of money on fancy food. He doesn't understand people's problems. I want him to stop flying and tell us if we're in a recession.”
“I want to talk about my trips instead of our problems at home. Big investors like Canada. They give us lots of money. That's good, right?”
“You're a rich guy who hangs out with corporations. Canadians are struggling. You caused a recession and you won't even admit it. Are we in a recession or not?”
“I'm filling time with nice words about our economic plan. I won't say if we're in a recession or not.”