What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

8 latest topics

Oral Questions

The Economy

The economy's in a bit of a slump, so the Conservatives asked the Prime Minister about it. But he didn't answer - instead, his backbenchers talked about a trade war, infrastructure spending, and how the Conservatives have no plan. The Prime Minister mostly stayed quiet except to say some things that weren't true, according to Statistics Canada. Then a Liberal talked about how great farming is, and another talked about funding for small craft harbours, which apparently is really important for rural coastal indigenous communities.

Official Hansard ↗

Claude Guay

Liberal
“We're in a trade war, and the opposition leader keeps changing his story. To help, we're giving more loans and spending lots of money on forestry projects and regional development.”
Our translation 63% shorter

Hon. John Zerucelli

Liberal
“I have nothing to say about the economy struggling. Look over here at these shiny spending projects instead! Spending is always good, right?”
Our translation 77% shorter

Hon. David McGuinty

Liberal
“I don't want to answer your question. Instead I will happily attack you and your record. You spent too much money when you were in power.”
Our translation 59% shorter

Hon. Heath MacDonald

Liberal
“You're using a lot of rhetoric. I talk to farmers. You don't talk to farmers.”
Our translation 66% shorter

Hon. Heath MacDonald

Liberal
“I'll cheer for farmers so that I look good.”
Our translation 84% shorter

Hon. Joanne Thompson

Liberal
“You're talking about a recession? Talking about a recession is bad! Let me change the subject to spending $1 billion on harbours. That's good, right? I think that's good.”
Our translation 28% shorter

Hon. Joanne Thompson

Liberal
“I don't like that. I want taxpayers to spend more money. More money for my program.”
Our translation 69% shorter