What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

8 latest topics

Oral Questions

The Economy

In a debate on the economy, the Conservatives repeatedly hammered the Liberals for excessive spending on the Prime Minister's travel, arguing it was tone-deaf while Canada is the only G20 country in a recession. The Liberals defended their economic record and touted various infrastructure investments, while sniping back at the Conservatives over the Opposition Leader's past expenses.

Official Hansard ↗

Jasraj Hallan

Conservative
“I want people to be mad at the Prime Minister. Look how much he spends on fancy airplane food. That's more than a family spends on groceries. It's all his fault we're in a recession. He should say if this is his recession or just a normal one.”
Our translation 53% shorter

Jasraj Hallan

Conservative
“The prime minister spends $200,000 of your money on fancy trips that get us nothing. That's why we're in a recession. The government hasn't helped regular people. 2.2 million Canadians don't have enough to eat. 120,000 lost their jobs this year. What's the plan to fix this mess?”
Our translation 57% shorter

John Brassard

Conservative
“The Liberals spend too much. Canada's in a recession and the Prime Minister isn't sacrificing. He spent $200,000 of taxpayer money on food for just three flights. Meanwhile, regular Canadians are struggling. The Prime Minister should admit whether we're in a recession.”
Our translation 64% shorter

John Brassard

Conservative
“Canada's economy is bad. People can't pay their bills. The Prime Minister wasted money on fancy food. I want to know if we're in a recession. The government should be honest.”
Our translation 71% shorter

Sandra Cobena

Conservative
“The other party spends too much money. They can't control even their own small expenses. How can we trust them to fix the whole country's money problems? Maybe this is not their problem.”
Our translation 62% shorter

Sandra Cobena

Conservative
“The Prime Minister spends your money on luxury flights and fancy food. But Canadians struggle to buy groceries. The economy is weak. Only his friends get bonuses. Why doesn't the Prime Minister make sacrifices too? Do as I say, not as I do.”
Our translation 58% shorter

David Bexte

Conservative
“Canada is in trouble under the Prime Minister. Only Canada is in a recession. The government spends so much. They spent $17,000 on fish! A normal family spends less all year. The environment minister spends so much on fancy trips. The government needs to stop hiding and tell the truth. Are we in a recession or not?”
Our translation 45% shorter