“I want to make the opposition leader's birthday worse. I say our government is building a stronger economy. I want to seem focused on voters and challenges from abroad.”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
Recent debates
8 latest topics
Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act
57 statements
Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act
19 statements
Arab Heritage Month Act
5 statements
The Economy
15 statements
Government Priorities
2 statements
Government Priorities
2 statements
Housing
12 statements
The Environment
2 statements
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.
“We are the good guys. We put in programs to help with people's jobs. It would be bad if the other side stopped our programs.”
“You should agree with us and stop getting in the way. The government is helping people!”
“I don't want to answer that. Let me mention some Canadians are sad about other things instead. Maybe it will distract you from the recession.”
“I want Canadians to ignore the opposition's criticisms. I want to pretend the opposition doesn't care about Jacqueline even though they just talked about her. I want people to think we support families and are helping with affordability even though our spending might be making inflation worse.”
“The government is spending a lot of money on infrastructure and housing. This is supposed to make everyone happy and prosperous.”
“We want to look like we are helping. Spend money on our programs. Give us credit.”
“I want Canadians to believe the other party is not serious or successful. I want Canadians to believe my party is successful and has good plans for the economy.”