What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

8 latest topics

Oral Questions

The Economy

The Conservatives pressed the Liberals on Canada being the only G20 country in a recession and criticized the Prime Minister's lavish spending. The Liberals touted investments in infrastructure, the Canada groceries and essentials benefit, and various projects as evidence of their efforts to help Canadians and strengthen the economy. Both sides traded barbs and accused each other of ignoring reality.

Official Hansard ↗

Luc Berthold

Conservative
“You've caused a recession, but you're spending taxpayer money on luxuries for yourself. Is it a technical recession or a full-blown Liberal recession?”
Our translation 77% shorter

Caroline Desrochers

Liberal
“You complain about spending, but we are sending grocery benefit payments to millions of voters. You aren't serious about cost of living - we're the ones mailing out checks.”
Our translation 66% shorter

Luc Berthold

Conservative
“We care about the cost of living. Families are struggling. Canada is the only G20 country in a recession. The Liberals won't even say the word 'recession'. Their friends get bonuses, but families suffer. The Prime Minister caused this.”
Our translation 70% shorter

Caroline Desrochers

Liberal
“The opposition is inventing a crisis. The Liberals are spending billions of dollars in Quebec. They are spending on post-secondary campuses, community centers, infrastructure, hospitals, and public transit. The Liberals believe this spending is necessary and helping people.”
Our translation 59% shorter

Joël Godin

Conservative
“The Canada is the only G20 country in a recession. The government can’t solve the problem if it can’t admit the problem exists. The Liberals need to be honest with Canadians about the recession.”
Our translation 61% shorter

Claude Guay

Liberal
“I want Canadians to believe our economy is strong. I will only mention good economic news. I will not face Canada's problems. I will attack the Conservatives instead.”
Our translation 65% shorter

Joël Godin

Conservative
“I want to blame the government for Canada's recession. I want the Prime Minister to admit his plan failed. I will ignore other explanations because it helps me attack the government.”
Our translation 64% shorter

Hon. Joël Lightbound

Liberal
“I will list many spending programs. I want you to think the government is helping the economy. I will ignore questions about a recession.”
Our translation 72% shorter

Dominique Vien

Conservative
“You are spending and borrowing too much. Now we are in a recession. I want you to admit it.”
Our translation 81% shorter

Hon. Steven MacKinnon

Liberal
“I want to cheer for our economic strategy and spending. Money and projects in Quebec are good for Quebec and Canada.”
Our translation 79% shorter