“Those ferries are a lifeline for Newfoundland. But the union's been without a contract for months. Trudeau says he's a great dealmaker but now there's a strike looming. Does he not care enough to fix it or is he just bad at making deals?”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
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Oral Questions
Labour
The House discussed ongoing labour negotiations between a union and Marine Atlantic, a federal Crown corporation that operates ferries critical to Newfoundland's economy. The Conservatives criticized the government's lack of direct involvement in the negotiations, while the Liberals emphasized that the government's role is to provide mediation services and support rather than intervene directly in labour relations between the employer and union.
“I want to correct one thing: Trudeau can't make this deal himself. The union and company have to figure it out together. Mediators from my government are helping them talk. The government is staying out of it.”
“You're in charge of those ferries! We're in a recession and businesses are hurting. Nobody can afford a strike. Make a fair deal and end this!”
“The Prime Minister shouldn't negotiate directly. Employers and employees should work it out themselves, like always. The government's role is just to provide mediation help. The member I'm talking to should already know that's how it works.”