What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

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Canadian Identity and Culture

A debate on Canadian identity and culture quickly turned into an argument about government funding for the cultural sector. The Bloc Québécois accused the Liberal government of abandoning Quebec culture in the face of American digital giants and criticized a $600 million investment in the industry. The Liberals defended their support for CBC/Radio-Canada, Telefilm Canada, and the National Film Board, and accused the Bloc of voting against funding for culture. Personal attacks and accusations of betrayal were exchanged, but the actual state of Canadian identity and culture was largely ignored in favor of bickering over government spending.

Official Hansard ↗

Yves-François Blanchet

Bloc Québécois
“The Prime Minister is giving up on Quebec and Canadian culture. He's letting American companies take over and won't even fund our own content. I'm angry he's abandoning our creators after we fought for them for so long. I want the Prime Minister to keep funding Quebec culture.”
Our translation 56% shorter

Yves-François Blanchet

Bloc Québécois
“The Prime Minister is abandoning Quebec culture. He won't stand up to web giants. He won't collect levies like the European Union does. The Prime Minister needs to grow a spine and protect Quebec culture.”
Our translation 63% shorter

Yves-François Blanchet

Bloc Québécois
“The creative sector is losing $3.4 billion. The government is spending only $600 million. That's not enough. I don't like the Prime Minister's decisions. He's threatening French-Canadian culture.”
Our translation 75% shorter