What they said. What they meant.

Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.

Recent debates

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Oral Questions

Democratic Institutions

A bill to expand government surveillance powers and make it easier for police and intelligence agencies to access people's data without a warrant. The Bloc Quebecois accused the government of shutting down debate and ramming through draconian laws, while the Liberals argued the changes were needed to help law enforcement investigate crimes. Much of the debate consisted of the two sides arguing and insulting each other rather than substantively discussing the bill's provisions.

Official Hansard ↗

Christine Normandin

Bloc Québécois
“I want the other party to stop limiting debate and shoving through bills. They've done it a lot lately. The specific bills don't matter - I'd say this about any of them. I don't think one elected majority should rush laws through.”
Our translation 66% shorter
“I want this bill to pass so the government can claim it is helping families. I want the other party to help us spend money so we can take credit for growing the economy.”
Our translation 65% shorter

Christine Normandin

Bloc Québécois
“Our Prime Minister is a bad man who does bad things. Parliament is good. The mean Prime Minister only cares about his friends and his cabinet. He helps American companies. He said he would be good for the environment and tough on Trump, but he's not.”
Our translation 57% shorter

Hon. Joël Lightbound

Liberal
“I want Quebec voters to choose our party. We promise them money for local projects. An independent Quebec government would be bad for business. You know that. The Bloc thinks it wouldn't need Ontario. I disagree. Listen to us instead.”
Our translation 69% shorter

Claude DeBellefeuille

Bloc Québécois
“I'm trying to make you look bad by painting your bill as authoritarian. I want more debate time so we can attack you some more.”
Our translation 74% shorter

Hon. Steven MacKinnon

Liberal
“Bloc Quebecois, your stance on this bill is wrong. Police in Quebec want this new power. My government will expand police power to stop crime.”
Our translation 69% shorter