What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

8 latest topics

Government Orders

Build Canada Homes Act

A bill to create yet another federal housing agency, because apparently CMHC, the Crown corporation that's supposed to handle this, isn't enough. The Liberals insisted this is needed because of a housing crisis, while the Conservatives pointed out the Liberals have been in power for 8 years. Much of the debate consisted of the Housing Minister praising this new agency he gets to oversee.

Official Hansard ↗

Scott Aitchison

Conservative
“I think the government is expanding too much. We already have three agencies for housing. Why do we need a fourth? Why are we rushing this through?”
Our translation 86% shorter

Brad Redekopp

Conservative
“You love creating expensive new bureaucracies. There are simpler ways to get more affordable housing built. Why not simplify building codes instead of spending money on a whole new agency? Have you talked to other ministers about simplifying building codes so industry can build homes at prices people can afford? Why not let people build more homes directly?”
Our translation 48% shorter

Warren Steinley

Conservative
“The Liberals did this. They made the housing crisis worse, not better. Their red tape and restrictions caused it. The crisis came from them.”
Our translation 76% shorter

Frank Caputo

Conservative
“I'm upset the minister didn't answer my emails. I want you to think he's being disrespectful. That's my whole point.”
Our translation 81% shorter

Cheryl Gallant

Conservative
“The current government's housing plans are too slow. You will take 1,000 years to finish! Housing should be a provincial job, not federal. Special government housing groups really help private interests, not everyday people. The government should cut taxes and get out of the way instead. That will build homes faster.”
Our translation 41% shorter

Scott Aitchison

Conservative
“I'm pointing out that this new federal housing agency is redundant. The CMHC already does this job. It's interesting the government never discussed targets with them. I want to know why the government is rushing to control and spend $13 billion without researching how many units are needed.”
Our translation 74% shorter

Scott Aitchison

Conservative
“You're wasting $13 billion with no targets. I asked why we need another whole agency with no clear plan. Stop listing them and answer the question.”
Our translation 85% shorter

Jeremy Patzer

Conservative
“The government keeps adding new programs and red tape. But it hasn't made a trade deal to keep Canadian sawmills open. We're losing the mills we need to build homes Canadians can afford. Is the minister even going to try to stop it?”
Our translation 70% shorter

Billy Morin

Conservative
“The AFN says we need way more houses and repairs on reserves than this program will build. I want the minister to admit this program isn't enough and commit to bigger fixes, not just a band-aid.”
Our translation 50% shorter