What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

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Oral Questions

Canadian Identity and Culture

A debate on culture funding, where the Bloc accused the Liberals of capitulating to U.S. demands by letting streaming platforms like Netflix avoid paying into Canadian culture funds. The Bloc called this a betrayal of Quebec culture. The Liberals defended their record, citing hundreds of millions in new arts spending. There was partisan sniping but the core issue was a serious one about protecting Canadian culture from being overrun by foreign media giants who don't fund it.

Official Hansard ↗

Yves Perron

Bloc Québécois
“Why won't the government make Netflix and Amazon pay more money? That looks weak. I want the government to tax them more to support Canadian culture.”
Our translation 70% shorter

Hon. Steven MacKinnon

Liberal
“Don't listen to the Bloc. They don't care about culture. Look at the economy instead! Lots of jobs for young people in Quebec. Good job everyone.”
Our translation 75% shorter

Yves Perron

Bloc Québécois
“Look at our platform, it's full of culture proposals! The Prime Minister is giving up billions to help French culture in North America. Why do the Liberals always give up on protecting French culture?”
Our translation 71% shorter

Madeleine Chenette

Liberal
“Unlike the Bloc, we Liberals really do care about culture. Look, we spent $600 million on it! And another $95 million to promote it in 120 markets! That means we're good for Quebec culture.”
Our translation 65% shorter

Mario Simard

Bloc Québécois
“Quebec can only count on itself to protect its own culture. The federal government doesn't care and is selling us out to the Americans.”
Our translation 76% shorter

David Myles

Liberal
“I want you to be happy about a $600 million government spending announcement. Don't question whether it fixes the real problem. Focus on the big number and be grateful.”
Our translation 45% shorter