What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

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Oral Questions

International Trade

A bill that would remove some federal barriers to interprovincial trade and make it easier to authorize certain projects deemed in the 'national interest.' In the few minutes spent discussing this, the Bloc accused the Liberals of giving too many concessions to US business interests, while the Liberals pivoted to touting their support for a high-speed rail project in Quebec using Canadian materials and labor.

Official Hansard ↗

Christine Normandin

Bloc Québécois
“The Prime Minister keeps giving things to the US for free. He should say if he wants us to do more of that.”
Our translation 75% shorter

Hon. Steven MacKinnon

Liberal
“I won't answer whether we want more concessions. Look over there, the Bloc did a bad thing yesterday!”
Our translation 78% shorter

Christine Normandin

Bloc Québécois
“The Prime Minister gave up too much to America. He suspended laws to build pipelines. Now he's letting banned pesticides back in. Canada's not strong if we do whatever America wants.”
Our translation 69% shorter

Hon. Steven MacKinnon

Liberal
“The other party just doesn't understand how strong Canada is. Canada is strong because we use our own materials and labor to build our own future. Canada is strong because we dream big and give young people opportunities. The other party hasn't done anything to help make Canada strong.”
Our translation 47% shorter