What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

8 latest topics

Government Orders

Protecting Victims Act

A large bill amending many criminal laws, focused on child protection and gender-based violence. Changes include new or expanded criminal offenses like coercive control of intimate partners, femicide, non-consensual distribution of intimate images, and child sex trafficking. It also amends procedures for sexual offense trials and victims rights. In debate, the opposition accused the government of rushing the bill and limiting discussion, while the government insisted the changes are urgently needed to save lives and prevent violence.

Official Hansard ↗

Hon. Sean Fraser

Liberal
“I want to limit debate on this bill. I don't want MPs to have more than one day to talk about it at report stage. I want to limit third reading debate to five hours. I want to make sure the bill gets passed quickly without too many changes or delays.”
Our translation 66% shorter

Hon. Sean Fraser

Liberal
“I want to pass this bill quickly. I'm open to ideas from other parties. We've worked with some of them before. But now, there are problems that need fixing soon, like deepfakes. We should hurry up and protect people.”
Our translation 87% shorter

Hon. Sean Fraser

Liberal
“I don't agree we're not collaborating. This bill has ideas from your party and others. We should pass this bill to help protect people, especially from sexual crimes. Why delay? Let's pass this today.”
Our translation 83% shorter

Hon. Sean Fraser

Liberal
“I don't like that you said we didn't allow enough debate. You wasted time at committee. Your delays are why we aren't done yet. You chose to talk about silly things instead of how to protect people. I think your idea wouldn't work as well because the part you want us to use expires in five years.”
Our translation 73% shorter

Hon. Sean Fraser

Liberal
“I'm arguing my bill is good. I want you to think it has broad support. I'm citing other MPs to make my bill look good, not engaging with the specific criticism.”
Our translation 68% shorter

Marilyn Gladu

Liberal
“That's terrible. I want you to get mad about it. I think if I mention something bad happening, it will pressure you to pass my bill quickly without looking too closely.”
Our translation 30% shorter

Hon. Sean Fraser

Liberal
“I want to pass my bill because something bad is happening. If I repeat how bad it is, maybe you'll pass it too.”
Our translation 86% shorter

Hon. Sean Fraser

Liberal
“I want this bill to pass now. Adding ideas for other problems might slow it down. Maybe we can talk about that other problem later though.”
Our translation 86% shorter

Hon. Sean Fraser

Liberal
“I wish the Senate would pass Bailey's Law already. Then maybe we could get back to the other bill. I want to contradict your version of events to make you look bad. Let me fish out the video that makes my point.”
Our translation 85% shorter

Hon. Sean Fraser

Liberal
“I want this bill to pass quickly because it will protect victims of violence. The Conservatives are delaying the bill by talking too much. I would rather work hard to protect my constituents than go on vacation.”
Our translation 80% shorter

Hon. Mark Gerretsen

Liberal
“I want to criticize the Conservatives for delaying many bills, not just this one. They delay bills too often and no one will notice when they have a real concern. Maybe the Conservatives should save their delay tactics for when they really need them.”
Our translation 77% shorter

Hon. Sean Fraser

Liberal
“We warned the Conservatives that filibustering would delay protections for victims. The Conservatives didn't listen. They caused the delay. That's why we must pass this bill now instead of waiting a few months. I want to blame the Conservatives for the delay and say they don't really care about victims.”
Our translation 79% shorter

Hon. Sean Fraser

Liberal
“I want to look like I'm saying something thoughtful, but I'm just repeating talking points. We know this bill won't prevent crime, but we need to pass it anyway. We're spending lots of money on other things too, but don't let that stop this bill.”
Our translation 87% shorter

Hon. Sean Fraser

Liberal
“I want this bill to pass quickly. The other party wasted time before. Many people want this. We need to make penalties harsher now.”
Our translation 90% shorter

Amandeep Sodhi

Liberal
“I want the minister to say his bill will help people. I told a story about fear to make you feel bad. Please pass this bill.”
Our translation 66% shorter

Hon. Sean Fraser

Liberal
“I want to agree with my friend and keep talking about how bad things are. Flying numbers make it sound serious. If we pass this bill, the government can say it did something. We should pass this bill today.”
Our translation 77% shorter

Hon. Sean Fraser

Liberal
“I want to say the other party is wrong. They're not even talking about this bill. They're talking about old bills. I think those old bills were good. I want this bill to pass. I want to say the other party doesn't really care about victims. I think they just want to delay for political reasons. I don't like that. I hope they vote for this bill.”
Our translation 71% shorter

Hon. Sean Fraser

Liberal
“I hope we can all stop calling each other anti-democratic. I think we all want to protect democracy and the rule of law. The other party has stopped making real arguments. They just want to call us names instead of passing this bill. I want them to help pass this bill but we will do it without them if we have to.”
Our translation 55% shorter