What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

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Oral Questions

The Economy

During question period, the Conservatives repeatedly asked the Prime Minister about the human costs of Canada being the only G20 country in a recession. The Prime Minister did not directly respond, with various Liberal MPs instead defending the government's economic policies. The Conservatives accused the Liberals of being out of touch, while the Liberals criticized the Conservatives for opposing affordability measures.

Official Hansard ↗

Hon. Pierre Poilievre

Conservative
“The Prime Minister should explain why Canada is the only G20 country in a recession. A Toronto woman lost her job, can't find a new one, and has to sleep on a friend's couch. Does the Prime Minister care enough to stand up and answer? Will he downplay her problems as 'technical' issues?”
Our translation 36% shorter

Hon. Pierre Poilievre

Conservative
“That's not funny. A woman is suffering. The Prime Minister caused a recession. He should stop making jokes and answer for the real problems he caused people like Zahra.”
Our translation 61% shorter

Hon. Pierre Poilievre

Conservative
“A man in Ontario is sad. The government should do something.”
Our translation 90% shorter

Hon. Pierre Poilievre

Conservative
“Jacqueline had to put down her dog because she can't afford the vet. She can't afford food, rent, or gas either. If the Prime Minister cares, he should tell us if we're in a recession.”
Our translation 65% shorter

Hon. Pierre Poilievre

Conservative
“I want the Prime Minister to answer my question about the economy and I want to remind everyone that it's the Prime Minister's fault that people are suffering.”
Our translation 81% shorter

Hon. Pierre Poilievre

Conservative
“I want to blame the Prime Minister and call him a failure. Nathan can't afford things because of the economy.”
Our translation 84% shorter

Hon. Pierre Poilievre

Conservative
“The Prime Minister is hiding from a bad economy. People are losing jobs. The Prime Minister isn't doing his job. I'm speaking for struggling people. The Liberals must take responsibility. Are we in a recession or not?”
Our translation 66% shorter