The Economy

Question period focused on the economy, with the Conservatives citing Statistics Canada’s report that Canada is in a recession, the only one in the G20, and reading letters from Canadians who lost jobs, homes, savings or businesses. The opposition repeatedly asked whether the recession was “technical or real” and pressed for the Prime Minister to answer in person. Liberal ministers said the government is focused on building a stronger economy, diversifying trade in response to U.S. tariffs, investing in housing, infrastructure and workers, and pointed to affordability measures the Conservatives voted against. Some exchanges turned to criticisms of each other’s conduct, including remarks about the Prime Minister’s attendance at question period.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

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8 statements

Mark Carney, Prime Minister

Liberal
“I wish the Leader of the Opposition a happy birthday. Our government is focused on building a stronger, more lasting economy and helping Canadians face global challenges.”
  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 47 of 100

    None of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.

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  • Government answer in Question Period

    Clarity 47 of 100

    Much of this statement used imprecise wording, lacked details on timing or responsibility, or made broad claims without support.

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I would like to wish the Leader of the Opposition a happy birthday. I hope his day improves. The government is focused on building a stronger economy. We recognize the scale of the challenges that this country is facing from abroad. We are focused on that administrator. We are focused on farmers in Battle River—Crowfoot. We are focused on a future that is stronger, more durable, more independent, more resilient and more sustainable.

Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario

Liberal
“The Conservatives voted against our programs that help people when they lose their jobs.”
  • Government answer in Question Period

    Signal 26 of 100

    Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.

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  • Government answer in Question Period

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, do the Conservatives know what is not a joke? It is when someone loses their job and there is nothing there to catch them, yet if the Conservative members had their way, that is exactly what would have been facing Zahra. They voted against the very measures that we put in place to protect people like Zahra— Some hon. members: Oh, oh!

Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario

Liberal
“The Conservatives keep voting against our programs that help people, such as updated employment insurance.”
  • Government answer in Question Period

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, what I find to be a joke is that, when the government steps up, not only to lay the foundation of prosperity for the future but also to protect people like Zahra by putting into place things like modernized employment insurance, which the Conservatives routinely laugh about, they vote against those measures, time and—

Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

Liberal
“The Conservatives seem happy when Canada faces economic problems from trade wars and conflict abroad. They just blame Canada instead of supporting it.”
  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 18 of 100

    None of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.

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  • Government answer in Question Period

    Respect 64 of 100

    This statement targeted a person rather than their actions or views: “such apparent glee on the part of the Leader of the Opposition”.

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I speak to a lot of people like Brad in my own riding of Gatineau. What they ask me is why there is such apparent glee on the part of the Leader of the Opposition and his troops when they march in here. Canada faces some economic headwinds from an unprovoked trade war, and they blame Canada. Canada faces economic headwinds from a war in the Middle East, and they blame Canada. People cannot help but notice that the Leader of the Opposition and his entire bench walk in here with glee when Canada faces—

François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue

Liberal
“The Leader of the Opposition voted against every measure to help with the cost of living. Our government will support families, workers, and industries.”
  • Government answer in Question Period

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  • A repeated line

    “We are going to build Canada strong.”

    Said 33 times by 14 members since April 24.

    Every time it was said
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, what Canadians do not need at this time is these slogans, these clips and this empty rhetoric from that side of the House. Jacqueline knows, and she should know, that every step of the way, the Leader of the Opposition has voted against every affordability measure in the House. Jacqueline knows it, and we know it. Canadians know it. When it comes to affordability, we are going to stand with families. We are going to stand with workers. We are going to support our industries. We are going to build Canada strong together.

Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada

Liberal
“We are helping Canadians by spending money on our economy. Yesterday we announced money for Quebec to build community centres, more housing, better hospitals, and cheaper public transit.”
  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 45 of 100

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, it is important that we recognize the critical investments we are making in Canada’s economy right now to help these same people the opposition mentions. Yesterday, we announced investments in Quebec in infrastructure, including $2.5 billion in community centres, infrastructure to build more housing and to scale up our affordable housing across the country, $1 billion to be invested to upgrade our hospitals and emergency rooms, and over $6 billion to invest in public transit to help people get around affordably and to create the jobs that make this country prosperous.

Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)

Liberal
“Our plan to help with U.S. tariffs and high costs is working. Canada's economy will grow faster than any other G7 country. An average family of four will save up to $20,000 this year.”
  • Government answer in Question Period

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, Canadians are facing the impacts of change and global uncertainty driven by U.S. tariffs. That is why our government has a clear plan. We are diversifying trade, creating good jobs in this country, building faster and investing in workers while making life more affordable. This plan is working. Canada is projected to have the fastest growing economy in the G7. We are going to take care of Canadians. In fact, when it comes to affordability, an average family of four will save up to $20,000 this year, and that will help them with the average cost they are experiencing each and every day. We are going to protect Canadians while building Canada strong.

Wayne Long, Secretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions)

Liberal
“Canadians do not take the Conservatives seriously. Their leaders rely on stunts instead of real plans. Our government is serious about the economy and is investing in housing, major projects, and trade.”
  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 8 of 100

    None of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.

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  • Government answer in Question Period

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, Canadians do not take that party seriously at all. We have the former failed leader doing bizarre social media videos and screaming at fences. We have the current failed leader doing empty parking lot press conferences with no substance: gimmicks, props and slogans. On this side of the House, we are investing in major projects, housing and trade diversification. They are not serious about the economy. Canadians see it. Canadians know it. Canadians made a choice to stand behind a world-class statesman and a world-class business and economic leader who is going to build our country—

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