“Canada's economy is shrinking. More people are losing their jobs. When will the government admit we're in a recession? Is it a 'Liberal recession' or just a 'technical recession'?”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
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Oral Questions
The Economy
The topic was the economy. The Conservatives hammered the Liberals on Canada being the only G20 country in a recession and having poor economic growth. In response, the Liberals mostly talked up recent cash payments to Canadians to help with high living costs, and cited some positive job numbers released the same day. The debate was highly partisan with both sides mostly just repeating their same talking points over and over.
“I want to cheer for spending money in my riding. More government money will buy well-paid jobs. Ignore the recession. Look over here instead.”
“I want businesses to do well. But Canada is in a recession under this Prime Minister. Businesses invest less. Government must step in more. Canadians pay the price. More debt. Harder to make ends meet. The Prime Minister doesn't see it. Does he realize?”
“Government must spend more money on my program! My riding needs these payments. We are spending to help Canadians.”
“You shouldn't celebrate these payments. The government is spending money because people are struggling to afford groceries. Canada shouldn't have to resort to this. The Liberals should admit we're in a recession and do something about it.”
“You're too focused on the negative. The government is spending new money on payments for essentials. We get to announce big amounts for some people. Why won't you praise us for it? We want the government to be the solution.”
“The government is failing badly at managing the economy. You only have a 1% chance of meeting your own goals. That means you're 99% likely to fail. Our country is in a recession and the government needs to admit it. Instead, you play word games and ignore the problem.”
“The economy isn't perfect yet but we're giving out lots of benefits and programs. People tell me they're happy when I visit them. I want you to know my riding is getting lots of money and help from the government.”
“Canada is the only G20 country in a recession. People are struggling to afford food and make ends meet. The government should admit its policies aren't working. Instead of bragging about giving out money, it should find real solutions to fix the economy.”
“I admit there are challenges. But I am going to ignore the recession and struggling people you mentioned. Instead I will talk about government spending and brag about people who said we are doing a good job. I want you to know we are in fact spending a lot! That will solve it. I will also bring up a big number of jobs I want government to create, because that sounds good.”
“I am going to act like big change in the economy is brand new. That lets me say government must something! I just talked about all the spending the government is doing. Now I want you to tell everyone about a benefit that gives people money. That means I care about making life more affordable.”
“Thanks for the nice words about me. Now let me give you nice words about my friend here. He's great. We all say the benefit is great. The government must spend more money on people. That means we care.”
“I want you to look bad. Those numbers sound bad. I want you to say this is all your fault.”
“Those numbers sound good. I want to cheer for the economy. I want more people getting government money.”
“You said the economy is good. I say no, it's bad. The leader is spending too much money on fancy food and trips. People are struggling. He should not spend so much of other people's money.”
“You criticized our leader for spending too much. I don't want to talk about that. I want to say you are bad. You don't want to help people. You voted against spending more money. People in my riding will get money from this bill. You think they don't deserve help. Shame on you.”
“The economy is doing badly. Inflation and prices are rising. I want the government to change its plans.”
“88,000 new jobs is good. I'll talk about that instead of the recession or the budget.”
“You promised a strong economy. Now you say your work grew jobs. But we're in recession. Food and energy prices are high. The debt is big. You can't brag about jobs but pretend the bad economy isn't your fault. When will you change your failed plan?”
“I'm filling time listing good news so I don't have to admit anything bad. Look, there were tariffs. That's a problem! Did you see that big jobs number? Debt? What debt? The credit people still like us. Canada is fine, and we're in charge. But I can't actually answer when we'll change course.”