“Shirley in my riding can't afford groceries. She and her friends think the government forgot seniors. The government needs new solutions, not just recycled rebates. Tell Shirley why she can't afford things. Is it because we're in a recession or just a technical recession?”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
Recent debates
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Oral Questions
The Economy
A debate on Canada's economy. The Conservatives repeatedly pointed out that Canada is the only G20 country in recession under the current Liberal government. They cited stories of struggling Canadians, suggesting Liberal policies have made things worse. The Liberals highlighted various recent spending announcements and tax measures, arguing these will help Canadians cope with economic challenges. The debate featured plenty of partisan back-and-forth but little substantive discussion of economic policy or solutions.
“I talk about tax cuts, disability credits, and a fuel tax reduction. I hope Shirley qualifies for one of those programs. I talk vaguely so it sounds like we're helping.”
“Maria lost her home because life is too expensive. The government should spend money to help her. High gas prices make it hard for her to drive places. The Prime Minister should admit that Canada is in a recession.”
“Canada's economy faces headwinds. The government must spend more money on the forestry sector to help businesses in British Columbia.”
“Canada's economy is doing bad under the Liberals. A voter I talked to said he can't pay his bills. Make the Prime Minister explain that! There is no real difference between these two big word recessions.”
“Did you vote against all the government programs I listed? I'm going to use them to say you don't support people in your riding.”
“A woman named Rosa can't afford her own place. The waiting list is long. I blame the Prime Minister. You should explain yourself to Rosa.”
“I don't like the Conservative plan for seniors' pensions. We will make more housing by working with provinces and cities. Our government is serious. Conservatives aren't.”
“Canada is the only G20 nation still in a recession. The Liberal government keeps making mistakes with deficit spending and job-killing green regulations. I have sad stories that make my talking points about the economy more real for my riding. I want the Prime Minister to say if those people are struggling because the recession is real or if it's just a 'technical' recession.”
“I represent a similar riding as the other guy. I went to his riding and announced spending there. I want you to think I'm building a strong economy by sometimes cutting taxes and signing trade deals. The other party just has rhetoric.”
“The current government is bad for the economy. The rich are getting richer while working Canadians are falling behind. The Prime Minister doesn't understand the struggles of average people because he and his friends aren't affected by rising unemployment, expensive groceries, or high mortgages. He's out of touch.”
“You've criticized our economic record. Tomorrow, we're sending your own voters emergency grocery money. Here, in your own area, they need this help. We'll make life more affordable where you live.”
“Everything costs too much. Canadians can't enjoy life. They're barely getting by. Liberals are why this happened. The Prime Minister should admit his recession hurts people.”
“Families would be worse off without our big expensive programs. We are the good guys who take care of Canadians.”
“Prices are high and the economy is shrinking under these Liberals. They have no plan except to watch it all fall apart.”
“My friend mentioned a problem with our economy. Here's something else. I want to cheer for programs that spend money in my riding.”
“I want to say the economy has big problems. These problems did not start now. These problems are from Liberal choices. Someone else is not responsible. The Prime Minister should fix these problems. Does the Prime Minister have a plan? Or does he just have a new word for recession?”
“I want to say good things are happening. Companies are investing a lot of money in Canada. I will list some big investments. I am listing a lot of money being invested. These companies have confidence in Canada. I think Conservatives do not have confidence in Canada.”
“I want the Minister of Finance to say the economy is good. Conservatives are saying bad things about the economy. I don't like that. I think they should not say bad things.”
“I want Canadians to think the economy is good. We are spending a lot of money. We will give people a new benefit tomorrow. Our party is helping Canadians.”