“Consumer bankruptcies are up 10%. I blame the Prime Minister's deficit and inflation for the recession. He should reverse his policies before more Canadians go bankrupt.”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
Recent debates
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Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act
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Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act
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The Economy
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Housing
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Oral Questions
The Economy
The Conservatives and Liberals squabbled over economic data and traded accusations, with the Conservatives claiming Canada is in a recession with rising bankruptcies and unemployment, while the Liberals touted job growth numbers and accused the Conservatives of lacking faith in Canada. The usual partisan bickering ensued without much substantive discussion of economic policy or solutions.
“The economy is transforming. Our plan created 88,000 full-time private sector jobs. That's twice the rate of the U.S. More Canadians and Canadian women are working than Americans. I'm saying nice things about our plan and the economy while ignoring the insolvencies and recession you brought up.”
“I'm hitting back at your praise for the economy. We're actually in a recession. There's been a net loss of jobs this year. Unemployment is higher than in the U.S. Fewer small businesses are starting and more are going bankrupt. I'm painting a negative picture to contrast with your positive one and demanding change.”
“I want Canadians to believe the economy is good. Look, lots of Canadians have jobs. More women are working than in America. Businesses are investing. We have high foreign investment. Our trade numbers look good. The opposition is wrong to doubt Canada's economy. I'm the best leader to keep it strong.”
“The Prime Minister says I don't believe in Canada because I criticize him. I'm the real patriot fighting for people. He's the one hiding money and moving jobs out of Canada. I'll keep fighting for workers and consumers and our economy. His personal attacks won't stop me.”
“Canada has the worst economy in the G7. Inflation is high. Businesses are failing. It's the Prime Minister's fault. He should stop whatever he's doing that's causing this.”
“I want to talk about good numbers, not whatever my opponent asked about. 0.4% growth is really 5% if you stretch it out. We have more jobs than the US. Our economy is fine.”