“I want to make the other party look bad. Bad things are happening on their watch. Businesses are struggling.”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
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Oral Questions
Small Business
During debate on small business, Conservative MPs cited statistics showing declining investment and entrepreneurship, and CFIB surveys finding most small businesses feel unsupported by the government. Liberal MPs responded by touting recent foreign investments, tax changes for businesses, and Canada's economic performance compared to other G7 countries. The real-world impact of government policies on small businesses was discussed more than usual.
“Good news! Money from many countries will come to Canada. This means more jobs. I want to look like I'm bringing money to Canada.”
“I want government to spend less and stay out of the way so businesses don't leave.”
“I'm saying nice things about small business because it polls well. I'm listing what we've spent. I want credit for the spending.”
“You aren't helping business in Beauce. Liberal policies are bad for the economy. SMEs need less government in the way.”
“I think businesses are doing well even with problems. I think my party helped them do that. I think Europe trade is good.”
“Mr. Speaker, businesses don't want to invest because of all the big government spending. Companies in Beauce are great but the last 10 years of big debt and bad leadership have made it harder for all businesses in Canada. It's the Liberals fault for spending too much.”
“You criticized our leadership, but where is your plan? We will make businesses invest and be more productive. We signed some trade deals and spent money on ports. Those are good numbers. That's my answer.”
“I want to complain that taxes and government spending hurt small businesses. Many small business owners say they would not recommend starting a business in Canada. I blame the current government for making Canada a bad place to do business.”
“Global economy is bad, but Canada is less bad. I can count our deals with other countries. Small businesses need the government to make deals for them. They can't handle a tariff without us. Government should do more.”
“The economy is bad. I want to blame the Liberals. I say high taxes and spending did this. Our policies would be better.”
“I want credit for taxpayer spending that helps some preferred businesses. Higher wages are good for everyone. My government helps business. Our program helps people buy things.”
“The government should stop punishing small businesses with high taxes and red tape. I want to cut taxes and red tape so small businesses can stay open. I'm asking the government to reverse their economic policies to help businesses get ahead.”
“I ran a small business before, but you didn't, so there. Our government causes small businesses a lot of problems, but we won't stop, we'll just pivot in a new direction and spend money all over again.”