What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

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Oral Questions

The Economy

The economy was debated in Parliament. The Conservatives criticized the Prime Minister's expensive in-flight catering while Canadians struggle with the cost of living. The Liberals defended the spending as necessary for diplomacy and international relations given ongoing trade negotiations and wars. The discussion was mostly partisan sparring and talking points, with little substantive debate on economic policy.

Official Hansard ↗

Jasraj Hallan

Conservative
“I want to embarrass the Prime Minister by focusing on this trivial detail of his travel expenses, rather than engaging with substantive policy disagreements.”
Our translation 23% shorter

Jasraj Hallan

Conservative
“That's bad. I don't like that. I think its unfair. $94,000 is a lot of money to spend on catering for one flight.”
Our translation 69% shorter

Hon. Steven MacKinnon

Liberal
“I'm avoiding the question by insulting how you asked it.”
Our translation 62% shorter

Hon. Steven MacKinnon

Liberal
“People should be disappointed by the immature behavior in this place. The opposition's questions are low quality talking points. They should try harder to match our constructive discussion.”
Our translation 64% shorter

Jasraj Hallan

Conservative
“The Prime Minister shouldn't live lavishly on taxpayer money while people go hungry. His policies are failing. Answer for that, not for your own sleep.”
Our translation 73% shorter

Hon. Steven MacKinnon

Liberal
“Ignore that question about lavish living. Our Prime Minister is busy with important world events. He gets deals and investments that create jobs. Prosperity is the priority.”
Our translation 73% shorter

Pierre Paul-Hus

Conservative
“The Prime Minister spent nearly $1 million of your money on meals during flights. Many Canadians are struggling to pay for groceries. Is that really an appropriate use of taxpayer money?”
Our translation 72% shorter

Hon. Steven MacKinnon

Liberal
“I'm filling time by saying big words about 'intense trade negotiations' and how the Prime Minister 'proudly represents us'. I hope if I talk a lot, maybe it will distract from my partner's excessive spending.”
Our translation 62% shorter

Pierre Paul-Hus

Conservative
“That makes me sad. I don't like the other party. They spend too much money on food and planes. I think food banks are more important. The Prime Minister should spend less.”
Our translation 73% shorter
“I want to use nice words about the constable. That makes me look good. The government spends a lot of money on many things. I think that's very good. The Prime Minister is great.”
Our translation 57% shorter