What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

8 latest topics

Oral Questions

The Economy

The Conservatives pointed out Canada is the only G20 country in a recession and criticized the Liberal government's economic management. The Liberals blamed tariffs and global events for economic challenges, highlighted job growth and infrastructure investments, and accused the Conservatives of rooting against Canada's economy.

Official Hansard ↗

Carol Anstey

Conservative
“I want you to admit that your policies caused a recession and things are worse in Canada than anywhere else. You ruined the economy.”
Our translation 78% shorter

Hon. Joanne Thompson

Liberal
“I'm filling time with kind words and saying nothing anyone could pin down later.”
Our translation 84% shorter

Carol Anstey

Conservative
“You're spending too much. Debt is rising. Stop borrowing and calling it progress.”
Our translation 86% shorter

Hon. Joanne Thompson

Liberal
“I want my spending to look good. Government programs are supposed to create jobs. Don't question how we spend. Just agree with me.”
Our translation 75% shorter

Kelly DeRidder

Conservative
“The economy is bad. I don't like that the Prime Minister won't say why. First he said one reason. Then another. Then another. He keeps changing his story. People can't afford food and he won't give a straight answer.”
Our translation 54% shorter

Hon. Gregor Robertson

Liberal
“We say we are solving the problem. Rents are down for 20 months. That's a long time. We spend money on affordable housing. We give discounts on groceries. We have programs for children and food. We vote to spend money. The other side votes against our spending.”
Our translation 43% shorter

Kelly DeRidder

Conservative
“I don't think the government answers questions. I think Canada is in a recession. The government is borrowing a lot of money. The budget watchdog says it's more than planned. I want to know how much the Prime Minister will say it costs to fix it.”
Our translation 57% shorter

Hon. Gregor Robertson

Liberal
“We're spending a ton of money on infrastructure. It's for community centres and public transit. We'll train a bunch of tradespeople. The other side doesn't support this. They're just negative. They should get with the program.”
Our translation 61% shorter

Sukhman Gill

Conservative
“The economy is bad. The economy has shrunk for two quarters in a row. Canada is the only G20 country in a recession. Labour productivity is down. The government probably won't meet its fiscal targets. I want the Prime Minister to admit this. Are Canadians only technically doing worse after a decade of Liberal rule?”
Our translation 38% shorter

Hon. Jill McKnight

Liberal
“I want to talk about other things instead of the recession. Look at all the great things the government is doing! People in my riding are optimistic. They want us to keep spending money.”
Our translation 58% shorter

Sukhman Gill

Conservative
“You caused the recession. The Prime Minister is in charge. Canada's economy is bad. Banks say growth will be slow. The US will grow more than us. The government is spending too much. Liberals are borrowing too much. Is Canada in a recession?”
Our translation 57% shorter

Hon. Jill McKnight

Liberal
“I say there are problems. Tariffs and trade are the problem. We must invest government money to fix it. We need to spend money on many different things. Why won't you let us spend more money?”
Our translation 61% shorter

Harb Gill

Conservative
“Canada's economy is bad. This government caused it. I want the Prime Minister to admit he made a recession. Are people better off than 10 years ago?”
Our translation 73% shorter

Hon. Evan Solomon

Liberal
“I want the opposition to stop criticizing. I want them to cheer for my spending. I don't like that they don't cheer for my spending. My government is spending money in ridings. I want the Conservatives to support my spending in their ridings.”
Our translation 63% shorter