What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

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Oral Questions

Employment

During discussion the Conservatives raised concerns about high youth unemployment and the number of temporary foreign workers, arguing this is driving down wages and making it harder for young Canadians to find jobs. The Liberals responded that youth employment has increased recently, the number of temporary foreign workers is down, and there are legitimate labour needs in some regions and industries. Mostly political point-scoring with stats rather than discussing any actual actions or policy changes to address the issues raised.

Official Hansard ↗

Brad Vis

Conservative
“I want to accuse the other party of hurting young Canadians. Wages are low and youth can't find jobs. I think they caused it by letting too many foreign workers in.”
Our translation 61% shorter

Brad Vis

Conservative
“Maybe if I talk about something different, people won't notice how much debt we're in. Look at all those foreign workers! There's too many of them. That must be why young people don't have jobs. I want it to stop.”
Our translation 53% shorter

Hon. Michelle Rempel Garner

Conservative
“I want the minister to tell an unemployed worker in my story that we don't need more foreign workers. I think the program for foreign workers should be replaced with something much smaller. Canadians who need jobs should get those jobs instead. Why won't the other party do what I want?”
Our translation 41% shorter

Hon. Michelle Rempel Garner

Conservative
“Unemployment is high in cities. The government brings in too many foreign workers. I want available jobs to go to available Canadians instead. The government should stop listening to lobbyists. Get rid of the foreign worker program and hire Canadians!”
Our translation 55% shorter