What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

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Oral Questions

The Economy

In a debate about the economy, the Conservatives criticized the Liberal government's handling of the economy, pointing out Canada is the only G7 country in a recession and many Canadians are struggling financially. The Liberals defended their record, pointing to job creation, trade diversification, and infrastructure projects. Much of the exchange consisted of the two sides talking past each other and touting their own talking points rather than substantively engaging with each other's arguments.

Official Hansard ↗

Hon. Steven MacKinnon

Liberal
“My side is good. We give money to people who need help. Your side always votes against our help. You should be ashamed.”
Our translation 71% shorter

Hon. Steven MacKinnon

Liberal
“I'm going to list a bunch of things and call them all successes. I want you to think we're doing a lot. Don't notice that I didn't actually answer your point about Canada being the only G7 country in a recession right now.”
Our translation 50% shorter

Hon. Tim Hodgson

Liberal
“I want to cheer for our spending. Look at all the expensive projects we're building in different places.”
Our translation 68% shorter

Hon. Tim Hodgson

Liberal
“Don't criticize us. Everything is good now. Stop complaining and help us do what we want.”
Our translation 80% shorter

Hon. Joël Lightbound

Liberal
“Our economy is good and we are helping people. The Conservatives don't really care. They didn't vote for our programs.”
Our translation 84% shorter

Hon. Joël Lightbound

Liberal
“I'm going to ignore your real person, Rogelio, and list off a big pile of numbers and dollars from big government programs instead. I hope this makes me look good. You should vote to spend more money on my programs!”
Our translation 64% shorter