Oral Questions
Government Appointments
“I'm filling time with kind words and saying nothing anyone could pin down later. We'll decide when we decide.”
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
Hon. Maninder Sidhu
Sidhu consistently promotes trade, especially exporting more Canadian goods to China. He fills his statements with lists of government spending and projects, often touting the jobs they may create, while avoiding specifics on other topics.
Oral Questions
The Economy
“I don't want to talk about the Prime Minister's fancy airplane food. Look, China might buy $7 billion of stuff from our farmers. That's good for jobs! Also an airline in Malaysia signed a big deal. That means more jobs too. I just want you to remember we're trying to help workers and farmers. I hope you won't be mad about the airplane food.”
Oral Questions
Foreign Investment
“I don't want to answer that question. Instead I'll just list big dollar amounts and talk about aircraft being built in Canada. Look, we're attracting investment!”
Oral Questions
Finance
“I'm filling time by talking about a big expensive community center my government spent $64 million to build. It will create some construction jobs. This is what I say Canadians expect.”
Oral Questions
Finance
“I want to cheer for big government projects. The government should spend lots of money on these programs.”
Oral Questions
Finance
“I want taxpayers to spend money on programs and projects to create jobs. I listed the number of jobs each project will bring. More spending will make Canada strong.”
Oral Questions
Finance
“Mr. Speaker, I don't want to talk about our inflation or debt. Look, a shiny new thing! We spent a lot of money on a port, and on nuclear and natural gas. We created some jobs. It's good for the economy. Paycheques and cranes! That's all you need to know.”
Oral Questions
International Trade
“I'm filling time by talking about my work history. I say we need a team Canada approach. The Conservatives wanted to give in and take any deal in 2018.”
“The government wants you to think increasing exports a little more to China is good. They hope touting a plan to sell more things to more countries will make you forget that we still haven't dealt with the U.S. tariffs.”
“Canada-U.S. trade is important. It creates lots of jobs. Our new advisory council will help with the CUSMA review. Team Canada will work on it.”
Oral Questions
International Trade
“I want to sell more products to China. That will help some people keep their jobs. More trade is good for the economy.”
“I'm filling airtime with scattered trade factoids, not saying anything concrete that I could be pinned down on later.”