Oral Questions
International Trade
“I want the opposition to vote for my bill. I need to claim I am against slavery without spending money or making anyone too mad.”
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
Hon. Anita Anand
Anand dodges yes-or-no questions and fills time with talking points about Canada's trade deals and economic numbers. She portrays the government as fiscally responsible while ignoring deficits and touts the importance of Francophonie and meetings abroad. Anand avoids direct answers on holding China accountable for forced labor and human rights abuses.
Oral Questions
International Trade
“I'm saying nice-sounding words about condemning forced labor. I'm not actually giving a yes-or-no answer to the question about putting people over profits or standing up to China.”
“I'm just going to say nice general words about how we care about workers everywhere. The $600 million we spent is just one of many things we're doing. I talked to China about it on Friday. Look how much our exports have grown! We will keep doing things to grow our economy.”
“I want to look like I care about stopping forced labor. Our government spent money on it. I want to say I'm doing something about the problem without taking the action the other side asked for.”
Oral Questions
The Economy
“I want voters to think our government is handling the economy well. I want voters to credit us for creating jobs. I want voters to ignore the recession and believe things are fine.”
“I'm filling time with numbers and talking points that make the government sound good. Don't look too closely at the details.”
Oral Questions
Foreign Affairs
“I won't answer your yes-or-no question. Instead, I'll give a vague response about standing up for Canadian values and talking to China about human rights and security. I won't give any specific details about our secret agreements with China.”
Oral Questions
The Economy
“Our spending is fine. We did some good trade deals. The opposition should cheer for us.”
“I want to talk about how great our economy is doing. Look at all these deals and agreements we made! Countries are choosing Canada. I'm not going to address the recession or job losses.”
Oral Questions
Public Safety
“I'll keep saying we're protecting Canada. You don't need to see anything. Just trust us.”
“I'm filling time with kind words and saying nothing anyone could pin down later. I refuse to say whether I'll bring up China's repression and interference with their foreign minister.”
“I'm saying nothing new. We signed secret deals with China before, so it's fine we're still doing it now. I'll meet their foreign minister and talk, but I won't release the MOU.”
Oral Questions
Foreign Affairs
“I want to cheer for our Sweden trip and list vague things we did there. Canada will spend more on defence to meet our 2% target. I am saying nice things about Ukraine and our NATO allies.”
Oral Questions
Foreign Affairs
“I want to talk nice about Taiwan and trade without actually signing anything or saying what we'll do.”
Oral Questions
International Trade
“I'm filling time with nice ideas about trade and farmers, but didn't answer the pointed question about whether I'll protect cattle ranchers from a specific deal's cheaper imports.”
Oral Questions
Finance
“I deny your point. Our government has signed trade agreements. That will build the economy. Why don't you support us? That's the real question.”
Oral Questions
Finance
“I want to change the subject to programs we are spending money on. Look at all these programs! The other side didn't vote for them. Pay no attention to how much we're borrowing.”
“I will spend lots of money. I think that will deliver for Canadians. You should agree with my plan.”
Oral Questions
Foreign Affairs
“I enjoy going to France. I requested that Canada host a big Franco meeting. It will help French communities. I like being in the Franco organization. French is important in Canada.”
Oral Questions
International Trade
“I ignore your point about trade with the US being valuable. I say it's good that we make many agreements with other countries. I want everyone to praise us for those instead.”