What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

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Government Orders

Business of Supply

A bill to remove some federal barriers to interprovincial trade and labor mobility. During discussion, the Conservatives claimed Canada's economy is struggling and broken while the Liberals said it is doing quite well. Members cited various economic statistics to argue their side, with the Conservatives focusing on a technical recession and the Liberals pointing to record low unemployment and rising wages.

Official Hansard ↗

Martin Champoux

Bloc Québécois
“I don't like how the Liberals talk about Canada. They say good things about themselves. But many people lost their jobs. People cannot afford to buy things. The government should do more to help people.”
Our translation 81% shorter

Martin Champoux

Bloc Québécois
“I want to make the Conservatives look bad for not showing up today. Let me try to make that point while being a stickler for procedure.”
Our translation 57% shorter

Mario Beaulieu

Bloc Québécois
“I want to say that Canada's economy is bad. I want to blame Liberals for the economy. But I will also say that Conservatives talk too much about how bad things are. Both other parties are too extreme.”
Our translation 28% shorter

Sébastien Lemire

Bloc Québécois
“The government's spending numbers are fishy. Different numbers from different times make the government look bad. A budget update a month ago said one thing. Now the budget officer says the deficit is billions higher. It's like a teenager who can't say what he did with your money. They can't be happy just because a little bit is left. I want you to admit this is bad management.”
Our translation 53% shorter

Martin Champoux

Bloc Québécois
“The other party spends too much on oil companies. That's bad. I think it's very bad. I want voters in my riding to get some of that money instead.”
Our translation 82% shorter