Government Orders
Business of Supply
“I'm filling time with kind words and saying nothing anyone could pin down later.”
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.
“I don't have a direct answer for that question. I'm going to repeat some vague details about how we work with other departments, and hope that's enough to make me look competent.”
“I already said there's a framework. The department is monitoring. I am saying nothing new.”
“We watch the US. Our method is robust. We protect refugees.”
“I don't want to give a clear answer. I will talk around the question instead.”
“I'd like to say nice things about my colleague and her experience, but I'm not actually going to answer her question.”
“I don't care what you think. We're doing our thing.”
“I'm the minister and I say we have a plan. It's transparent because I say it is. The opposition asks questions because our plan is so different from other years. I'll keep doing my best.”
“That's a good question. We do have a plan with numbers. I went to many places to talk about it. But it's not about money or staff. The real problem is we only recently introduced this temporary resident plan in 2024.”
“I want to look good by saying kind words about our plans and numbers. But I'm not really saying anything new that answers the question you asked.”
“Many people need home care workers. We paused the program because it was too popular. We can't accept more applications until we process some of the current ones. We are working on it.”
“I want Canada's immigration process to be faster and more efficient. We are working hard to improve it. I want skilled immigrants to choose Canada.”
“I want to look responsive. I want Canadians to think we are on track. I want to say our office is doing the best we can.”
“I want to say I respect the other speaker. But I don't want to answer the question about refugee rights. I just want to say the agreement with the U.S. still exists.”
“I want to talk about crime because I don't want to answer your question. Crime is bad. Let's spend money to fight crime.”
“You want to talk about how long my program actually lasts. I don't want to answer that. Let's get back to scary stories about crime instead.”
“I'm going to pretend I don't understand your question so I don't have to answer it.”
“I already said we're deporting people and putting more officers on it. We're doing things to protect you.”
“I don't want to directly answer your jab. I want to brag we are tough and investing in cops. We cut some health benefits for migrants and I think that sounds good.”
“Criminals should be punished. I don't want to talk about my weird word choice.”