What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

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Government Orders

Business of Supply

During a debate on the economy, the Conservatives pointed out Canada's recession and weak economic indicators under the Liberals, including high inflation and unemployment. The Conservatives accused the Liberals of being out of touch and in denial about how their policies have made things worse, while the Liberals touted their spending and benefits. The Bloc focused on regional issues in Quebec.

Official Hansard ↗

Hon. Mark Gerretsen

Liberal
“You're attacking us for picking only good numbers. But you ignored good jobs numbers that help us. That's hypocritical. I want you to explain your unfair debating.”
Our translation 82% shorter

Hon. Mark Gerretsen

Liberal
“You look silly if you call everything a disaster right before good news comes out. My opponents campaign manager said it himself: good numbers are already back. You called it a recession too soon.”
Our translation 73% shorter

Ryan Turnbull

Liberal
“I'm going to throw out a lot of numbers and buzzwords to make it sound like the government is doing a good job with the economy. We're doing better than expected! Look at all these jobs we created! We're giving people money for groceries! I don't like how the Conservatives keep talking about bad economic news and ignoring our great work. We have a plan, I promise.”
Our translation 95% shorter

Ryan Turnbull

Liberal
“I'm filling time by listing people who agree with me. The recession label is premature. The economy will be fine.”
Our translation 83% shorter

Ryan Turnbull

Liberal
“I don't like that the other party is saying things I don't agree with. I want them to stop.”
Our translation 61% shorter

Emma Harrison

Liberal
“I want the government program to give money to many people. I want to cheer for our policy.”
Our translation 57% shorter

Ryan Turnbull

Liberal
“I like government spending. I want to cheer for our budget. I want to cheer for our programs. I want to throw money at people's problems with benefit checks. I don't know how long that will work. I hope my anecdotes make me look good.”
Our translation 79% shorter

Ryan Turnbull

Liberal
“I want you to know that I announced spending in your riding but you weren't there.”
Our translation 57% shorter

Ryan Turnbull

Liberal
“You're wrong and I'll say anything to defend my party's spending.”
Our translation 80% shorter

Hon. Mark Gerretsen

Liberal
“I want the other Member to take back what she said because it's not allowed. I think this is serious. The other guy shouldn't laugh.”
Our translation 58% shorter

Hon. Mark Gerretsen

Liberal
“You said something wrong. You should say sorry and take it back. No excuses.”
Our translation 79% shorter

Hon. Mark Gerretsen

Liberal
“I want you to make her say she is sorry twice. I want her to obey you without arguing.”
Our translation 57% shorter

Steeve Lavoie

Liberal
“Look, I've got good news about the economy and construction jobs. Investment is working! But this other guy's being a downer.”
Our translation 98% shorter

Hon. Kevin Lamoureux

Liberal
“My party is great. Good things are happening. These critics lie a lot. I don't like them.”
Our translation 88% shorter

Steeve Lavoie

Liberal
“People are struggling, but I feel good. We sign a lot of trade deals. I sit on a committee that talks about them. So that means we will do well in the future.”
Our translation 78% shorter

Steeve Lavoie

Liberal
“I don't like when the other parties complain. It makes me sad. They say bad things about us but then vote against our nice plans. They should vote for our spending instead. Then everyone can be optimistic together.”
Our translation 75% shorter

Steeve Lavoie

Liberal
“I want to do everything. Don't make me choose or focus. I say 'and' not 'or'. We will spend everywhere.”
Our translation 89% shorter

Hon. Kevin Lamoureux

Liberal
“I'm going to ignore your point and brag about our trade deals instead. We've signed trade agreements with many countries. Our Prime Minister is great at promoting exports. Trade with the US is increasing under our government. We only care about what's best for Canadians, not what other parties want.”
Our translation 73% shorter

Hon. Mark Gerretsen

Liberal
“I want to nitpick about one number instead of answering your real point about struggling families. 90,000 new jobs is good news so I want to talk about that. I'm not going to address anything else you said.”
Our translation 72% shorter

John-Paul Danko

Liberal
“You're always saying 'Canada is broken' and cheering any bad news so you can score cheap points. It's insulting. But look at these great numbers! 88,000 new jobs! The IMF says we're the strongest economy in the G7. Admit it - Canada is doing great. Stop being so negative.”
Our translation 54% shorter