Government Orders
Business of Supply
“I talk and talk but I won't give a clear answer about the airports' value. I just want government to control more.”
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
Hon. François-Philippe Champagne
Champagne is a cheerleader for the Liberal government, frequently touting Canada's economic growth and the government's spending on programs and investments. He often deflects criticism by accusing the Conservatives of talking down the economy and highlights the government's 'generational investments' in housing, infrastructure, and innovation. He is skilled at filling time with kind words and praise for his colleagues while avoiding committing to specific actions or answering questions directly.
“I'm dodging your question by talking about rules and formalities. Ask someone else.”
“I could answer your question but I'm going to send you on a wild goose chase instead.”
“I want to spend a lot of money on things I call 'infrastructure' and 'investments'. I won't say how much it costs or what it's for.”
“I want to direct this question to someone else so I don't have to answer it.”
“I'm not going to answer the question about buying land before consultations are finished. Instead I'll just talk about how our government is spending a lot of money on infrastructure. It's all part of our big plan in the budget so it must be good.”
“I'm going to talk about respect instead of answering the question.”
“I don't want to answer your question. Look it up yourself.”
“I am a very honourable man. Do not accuse me of anything.”
“You're an experienced guy. You know better than to throw around allegations like that. Be careful what you say about your colleagues in this House.”
“I sent that letter somewhere else. I won't give it to you. I say I followed the rules and that's the end of it.”
“I'm going to keep quoting my talking points instead of giving a direct answer to your question.”
“I'm going to keep reading quotes until everyone forgets the question you actually asked.”
“I want to keep quoting this letter over and over so I don't have to give a real answer about that one specific clause.”
“I'm repeating myself. I already said I followed the rules.”
“I'm just going to repeat myself and avoid the question.”
“I want to keep quoting the letter that says I don't need an ethics screen. But don't worry, I put one up myself. I'll explain more at committee later.”
“Look, I'm going to hide behind this technicality so I don't have to answer your real question.”
“I'm repeating myself. I said I complied with the law. I'll answer questions at the committee. That's all I have to say.”
“I don't want to answer you. I'm repeating that I did nothing wrong.”