“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 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?”
“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.”
“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.”
“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 want you to look bad. Those numbers sound bad. I want you to say this is all your fault.”
“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.”
“The economy is doing badly. Inflation and prices are rising. I want the government to change its plans.”
“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?”
“You ran on being a genius and having a plan. But Canada fell into a recession under you. Other countries didn't. No one thinks we'll hit your targets. The economy's getting worse. Can you even tell us what kind of recession this is? But I know you won't answer because it makes you look bad.”
“I'm telling you the economy is bad. I think you caused it. The budget guy says so. He should admit whether that's really bad or just kind of bad.”
“The economy shrank again. It keeps shrinking. The Prime Minister said that wouldn't happen. I'm making him own these bad numbers. Liberals should admit the economy is worse.”
“Real translation: 'Canada lost 25,000 jobs this year. Productivity, investment, and GDP are down. Wage growth is down too. The Prime Minister has a weird idea of what counts as 'a strong economy'.'”
“The economy is bad. People are struggling. I want the Prime Minister to say if he thinks this recession is his fault.”