“I want to limit debate on this bill to five more hours. After that, no more talk. Just vote on it immediately with no changes.”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
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Strong and Free Elections Act
A bill to change some election rules. Members spent most of their time debating whether to limit debate on the bill, and discussing the size and geography of their own ridings.
“I don't like this time limit. The government shouldn't rush bills. We should debate more to make bills better. The government avoids real work. They silence debate to hide their mistakes.”
“I want the opposition to work more. I don't care about their complaints. They should do what I want. I want this bill passed.”
“I want to protect some electoral districts. I think the minister should help me. I want the government to do what I want.”
“I want my riding to not get any bigger. Djibouti is small. My riding is larger than a small country. My colleagues have even bigger ridings. What should we do about this?”
“I think my colleague works hard. But our votes still need to be of equal value in different places.”
“I am new here. The government is rushing this. I want to look like I'm fighting for transparency.”
“I'm filling time with kind words about the river. Conservatives want to delay bills. I want this bill to pass to change election rules.”
“Thank you for saying my riding is wonderful. Quebec added new politicians to keep ridings small. Will you consider adding more MPs so citizens can talk to their MP?”
“That's an important principle. The Supreme Court allows some variation in riding populations and size, but in a democracy one vote should carry roughly the same weight as another. The Quebec National Assembly identified a problem but didn't solve it. I don't have much to say about their solution.”
“I want to talk about the games Conservatives play to obstruct and waste time. They say they want to sit late, but then they try to adjourn early. They tried to adjourn twice on a bill for crime legislation. I think they're just trying to prevent legislation from passing. Can the House leader explain why it's important that we deliver for Canadians?”
“I want to pass many crime bills. I want to protect victims and children. The opposition is being creative to obstruct these bills. The opposition voted against prolonging House hours to get more done for Canadians. I think that's intriguing.”
“I don't have a problem working hard. I want MPs to debate this bill about elections more. The government is limiting debate time. The Prime Minister avoids questions. I think the government house leader doesn't respect Parliament.”
“I'm saying that MPs are working hard and cooperating on this bill. The opposition parties helped improve the bill. I want Canadians to see Parliament agreeing on something.”
“Are you ready to create more ridings to keep them small in population?”
“I'm filling time by naming a past protection that doesn't really answer your question. I don't want to be pinned down on whether to add even more ridings or whether that's necessary.”
“I have it worse than you. My riding is bigger. People in my province deserve a say sooner.”
“There is already a law for deciding how many seats each riding gets. Stop complaining. Riders in big ridings have to work harder. It's a challenge but it's fine.”
“I'm filling time with kind words. I think police are Good, and I want to talk about an old musician who bought a harmonica. Ignore this useless padding and take pity on me.”
“I too think the old musician is Good. Ignore this useless padding and take pity on me.”