What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

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Oral Questions

Health

During question period, Conservatives asked about the $300 million taxpayer-funded PrescribeIT scandal, accusing the government of mismanaging funds with no meaningful results to show for it. Liberals accused Conservatives of obstructing an important study on AIDS instead, and assured listeners they are being careful stewards of taxpayer dollars despite the alleged scandal.

Official Hansard ↗

Dan Mazier

Conservative
“The Liberals are blocking a committee investigation into a $300-million scandal. They're stopping meetings and preventing the health minister from testifying. If the Liberals aren't hiding anything, they should allow a full investigation.”
Our translation 65% shorter

Hon. Marjorie Michel

Liberal
“I'll keep talking but avoid the real question. I admit there were problems and some people are trying to solve them. But I won't agree to the investigation you demand.”
Our translation 55% shorter

Helena Konanz

Conservative
“I want to get to the bottom of this scandal. The Liberals spent 300 million tax dollars and it failed. They don't want to investigate. I want them to stop hiding and answer our questions.”
Our translation 64% shorter

Hon. Marjorie Michel

Liberal
“I want to talk about something else. Conservatives are blocking a study on AIDS. There is a crisis. I will repeat my answer. I already said the board is reviewing it and will report by the end of summer.”
Our translation 52% shorter

Matt Strauss

Conservative
“I think this agency wasted lots of taxpayer money. They aren't giving us the documents we asked for. The minister says there will be a review. How long will it take and how much will it cost? I think we should pull their funding now.”
Our translation 53% shorter

Hon. Marjorie Michel

Liberal
“We know the agency didn't do its job. That's why we stopped giving them money. But Canada's health care still needs to be modernized. The AI scribe program did well despite the problems.”
Our translation 65% shorter

Burton Bailey

Conservative
“I think the government party is blocking something at a committee. I want to make them look bad and make it seem like they're hiding something big.”
Our translation 71% shorter

Hon. Steven MacKinnon

Liberal
“People are struggling so it must be the government's fault. Stop blaming Canada! Also here's a big jobs number to distract you.”
Our translation 73% shorter