Government Orders
Business of Supply
“I'm the minister and I know the rules. There's nothing that allows what you suggest.”
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
Hon. Lena Metlege Diab
Diab rarely gives a clear yes or no answer and frequently dodges around questions in the House, filling time with slogans about 'protecting Canadians' and the government's plans. She openly says she won't answer specific questions if they're 'traps' or demands she doesn't like, and often pretends not to understand the real point. When she does give concrete numbers, they're usually self-flattering stats or promises of deportations she claims will happen eventually.
“That wasn't our fault. Nothing in our laws made the sentence unfair. CBSA looks into those things and deports people when they should.”
“The rules apply to everyone. Criminals get punished no matter what.”
“I'm filling time with kind words and saying nothing anyone could pin down later.”
“You're wrong. I've done a good job. I won't let in as many workers or students. You might not want any, but I don't care. I make the rules.”
“I'm making a serious face and agreeing with you in general. But I'm still not giving you a direct answer on your specific example.”
“That question is a trap. I won't commit to any change, because the thing you want changed isn't even in the act.”
“I claim security is fine so you don't need more.”
“Taxpayers must hire 1,000 more bureaucrats. Trust me, I'll keep you safe.”
“We are already deporting many people. I don't want to deport more people for this specific reason.”
“There's a process for that. We might deport them eventually.”
“I'm filling time with numbers that don't really answer your question.”
“I keep saying the same thing. If they're IRGC officials they're banned. The government already did that.”
“My department is already doing that. I don't need to make any new promises.”
“I have numbers to make me look good. I won't answer the actual question.”
“I am going to continue talking and hope everyone forgets that I did not answer the question.”
“I want to repeat what I already said and avoid answering the question.”
“I'm filling time with nice words and avoiding the question.”
“I'm going to ignore your question and talk about something else my government did years ago.”
“I don't have the number you're asking for. I'll just list some stats that sound good instead.”