What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

8 latest topics

Oral Questions

The Economy

Oral questions on Canada's economy. The Conservatives pointed out Canada is the only G20 nation in recession under the current government. The Liberals touted job numbers and their economic plans, but didn't meaningfully address the recession. Mostly partisan talking points from both sides, not much substance.

Official Hansard ↗

Lianne Rood

Conservative
“Canada's economy is shrinking and productivity is at a seven-year low. I want the Prime Minister to admit his policies have caused this recession. His denial won't change the reality that millions of Canadians are suffering.”
Our translation 66% shorter

Hon. Wayne Long

Liberal
“I'm ignoring the bad economy by attacking the other speaker's lack of experience. I want to cheer for my team. I think our Prime Minister will build the strongest economy in the G7.”
Our translation 67% shorter

Lianne Rood

Conservative
“The economy is performing poorly under the current government. I'm using specific figures to make them look bad. I want the Prime Minister to take responsibility for the economic situation and stop excessive borrowing and spending.”
Our translation 53% shorter

Hon. Wayne Long

Liberal
“I want to discredit the opposition leader by bring up his past election loss. I'm trying to make our economic record look good by cherry-picking positive statistics about job creation. The opposition has no real solutions, just empty words.”
Our translation 58% shorter

Blaine Calkins

Conservative
“Canada's economy is getting worse and worse under the current government. I want to blame the Prime Minister for causing a recession. I'm using facts about our shrinking economy and weak growth to make the case against his leadership.”
Our translation 70% shorter

Hon. David McGuinty

Liberal
“Our economy is doing great under our leadership. I want to take credit for all the good numbers. Also I'm announcing a lot of big government spending to make us look good. I want to accuse you of getting your facts wrong.”
Our translation 49% shorter

Blaine Calkins

Conservative
“The economy is terrible and it's this government's fault. You say everything is fine but we're in recession. Canada is losing and businesses won't invest here because of you. Your own budget officer says your budget is a fantasy. Some great economic manager! I want you to admit things are bad and it's your fault.”
Our translation 55% shorter

Hon. David McGuinty

Liberal
“Our military spending is creating jobs. Look at all these ships and vehicles we're buying! I could list numbers all day. Thousands of jobs! Defense is creating so many jobs. Canada's doing great. You shouldn't say bad things about the economy. Help us spend more!”
Our translation 42% shorter

Kevin Waugh

Conservative
“The economy is bad under these Liberals. More debt, less growth. Are we in a recession or just doing worse after their time in power?”
Our translation 65% shorter

Hon. Buckley Belanger

Liberal
“I'm filling time by praising entrepreneurs and resource industries. Conservatives did nothing. We're doing something.”
Our translation 79% shorter