What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

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Oral Questions

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 ↗

Hon. Marc Miller

Liberal
“The Bloc pretended to support culture, but they voted against giving it a lot of money. We will spend hundreds of millions of dollars to support culture because we really care about it.”
Our translation 54% shorter

Hon. Marc Miller

Liberal
“I don't like that question. Liberals will invest in culture. Bloc Québécois does nothing. ADISQ says it's a good investment.”
Our translation 69% shorter

Hon. Marc Miller

Liberal
“I will ignore your argument. I will talk about spending money on culture instead. Patriotism!”
Our translation 77% shorter