What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

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Oral Questions

National Defence

A debate on military funding under the Liberals. The Conservatives accused the Liberals of not delivering promised raises and cutting housing benefits for troops. The Liberal minister defended their record, citing increases in applications and recruitment, and accused the Conservatives of doing less for the military when they were in power.

Official Hansard ↗

James Bezan

Conservative
“The government isn't giving our military enough money or support. They promised raises and benefits but didn't deliver. Now they're cutting housing support and raising rents on our troops. We're short on people and half our jobs have critical shortages. The defence minister is making it worse.”
Our translation 48% shorter

Hon. David McGuinty

Liberal
“I say the Conservatives are making things up. Look at all the great investments and improvements we're making! Applications are up, salaries are up, and training times are down. Everything is going great under the Liberals!”
Our translation 62% shorter

James Bezan

Conservative
“I want to say the Liberals are taking money from our troops. They're giving with one hand and taking with the other. Troops aren't seeing more money. Rents for military housing are up. Housing support is down. This is making it hard to keep troops. Can the defence minister stop these bad ideas and actually help our women and men in uniform?”
Our translation 48% shorter

Hon. David McGuinty

Liberal
“I'm going to ignore your criticism and talk about how great we are instead. A year ago we promised to spend more on defence. We're building new housing units for the military. Some are already being built. We're making progress bit by bit. That's what our troops really need.”
Our translation 58% shorter

Cheryl Gallant

Conservative
“I don't like how the government is treating our troops. They're giving a pay raise with one hand but taking away housing benefits with the other. Our military families are losing thousands of dollars a year because of these changes. The defence minister needs to fix this now.”
Our translation 39% shorter

Hon. David McGuinty

Liberal
“We're doing a lot for the military. We're buying weapons and building homes. Things are getting better, but it's hard when the other party left us with such a mess.”
Our translation 70% shorter