Oral Questions
International Trade
“I deny the claim we don't listen to businesses. We talk to lots of people all the time.”
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
Hon. Dominic LeBlanc
LeBlanc is a master of filling time with kind-sounding words that say nothing specific anyone could hold him to later. He reliably dodges questions by accusing others of stirring up division, saying everyone should work together, and promising good news is just around the corner.
Oral Questions
The Economy
“You say there's a recession. I won't say any plan. I'll just say MPs should help us 'come together' to 'support Canadians'. That sounds nice, right?”
“I won't answer your question directly. But we know Canadians are counting on us to build a stronger economy. We're working hard with the provinces to protect jobs.”
“I don't want to look like I'm doing nothing. I'm filling time with kind words and saying nothing anyone could pin down later.”
Oral Questions
International Trade
“Thanks for the easy question. I want to look like I'm doing something. Our government will keep talking. We'll keep meeting people. We want to be ready. We promise to get a deal that we can say is good for Canadians.”
Oral Questions
Justice
“I don't want to talk about the Clarity Act. I'll just say we should wait for the provincial election. Let's talk about other issues affecting Quebec families and workers instead.”
Oral Questions
Intergovernmental Affairs
“I will not let you use this to stir up division. We should work together on trade instead.”
“The Bloc likes to cause trouble and fights. We want Canadians to see us as focused on important things. It's going well.”
Oral Questions
Intergovernmental Relations
“I don't like that you aren't working with us. We want a united front to counter U.S. tariffs. Too bad you aren't focusing on what we are doing.”
“I'm saying buzzwords about working with provinces. Our real focus is the economy. I met with some ministers today. We're fighting U.S. tariffs together.”
“People are worried about U.S. tariffs. The government thinks we should work together right now to deal with that. The Prime Minister is working with Alberta's government. We're working with all the provinces. Too bad the Bloc won't join in.”
Oral Questions
The Economy
“I just want to look like we're doing something without actually helping. We'll throw a little money at the problem and call it a day.”
Oral Questions
Finance
“I want you to wait for the good-news budget in two hours. I don't want to rebut your numbers or answer your point directly. I'm just filling time by accusing you of talking nonsense.”
“I know Canadians are worried about the cost of living. But our government will keep supporting Canadians. We care about the cost of groceries and fuel. We are doing important things to help.”
“We're happy the opposition keeps repeating the same old attacks. But soon our finance minister will share good economic news. Their talking points won't be relevant anymore. They should celebrate how great Canada's economy is doing.”
“Good news is coming in an hour. We're spending a lot to build big things and claim it will help the economy. Don't listen to that negative picture.”