What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

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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 ↗

Hon. Jill McKnight

Liberal
“I want to push back on that claim about youth jobs. Youth employment did rise a little recently. That means my party is doing good. Now watch me talk about all the taxpayer money we're spending on this so I look even better.”
Our translation 50% shorter

Hon. Joël Lightbound

Liberal
“I don't like that. We should find a balance. I want more foreign workers in my province. And I want to change the subject by talking about another language.”
Our translation 61% shorter

Hon. Steven MacKinnon

Liberal
“I don't want to talk about the unemployed worker story. The party I don't like is hypocritical. Some people in Quebec want more foreign workers. I think the other party is just trying to blame everything on foreign workers. The other parties should agree with my party about foreign workers.”
Our translation 43% shorter

Hon. Steven MacKinnon

Liberal
“I'm filling time with kind words and saying nothing anyone could pin down later.”
Our translation 85% shorter