Oral Questions
Small Business
“I think businesses are doing well even with problems. I think my party helped them do that. I think Europe trade is good.”
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
Hon. Nathalie Provost
Provost reliably sticks to talking points about government spending programs, dodging any criticism of their effectiveness or affordability. She frequently mentions her Secretary of State for Nature role to bolster environmental credibility, but deflects specifics on thorny issues like pipelines. A united front with her party takes priority over engaging with tough questions.
Oral Questions
The Environment
“I want the government to look like it is doing something about this issue. We are spending money on it! We are talking to other governments!”
Oral Questions
Climate Change
“Climate change is real. We have a plan. We will protect some land and water. We will regulate methane and fund some renewable energy. That is how we will solve everything.”
Oral Questions
The Economy
“I want to talk about our big spending announcement instead of the recession. We will spend $1 billion of taxpayers' money on food infrastructure. That will show Canadians we want to help.”
“We gave Canadians a grocery benefit. The government is helping people buy food. Canadians will keep working on the economy with us.”
Oral Questions
Rail Transportation
“You say people are struggling, but we sent out some money on Friday. And now we're spending a lot more on this train. It's an investment!”
“I want to spend lots of money on high-speed rail. It will be good for the economy. It will help us reach net zero. I don't care if people can't afford food.”
Oral Questions
Oil and Gas Industry
“We're trying to balance the environment and the economy. We'll keep producing oil and gas, but we say it will get cleaner over time.”
Oral Questions
Climate Change
“I want to avoid the question. I want to say nice things about how we work together. I don't want to criticize the Prime Minister.”
Oral Questions
The Economy
“People in my riding know we're trying hard. We gave them money. Conservatives didn't vote for it.”
Oral Questions
Climate Change
“We think our current plans are enough for the environment. We will not do more than we have said.”
Oral Questions
The Economy
“You say it's bad. I say it's not. There's no real problem here. Our programs are working great. Nothing to see here. Move along.”
Oral Questions
The Environment
“I want you to think I'm a good person who cares about the environment. I'm a mother and I want to be a grandmother. I will keep doing things that I claim help the environment. I won't engage with your actual criticism.”
Oral Questions
The Environment
“I want my team to look united and serious about the environment. I'll just list nice-sounding goals for 2030 and 2050, and pretend a united strategy is what's important. I hope if I talk about uniting Canadians instead of answering the division question, people will ignore our conflict.”
Oral Questions
Taxation
“I don't want to cut that other tax you asked about. We already cut a different tax and that's enough. We're sending out cheques for another program too, see, we're helping! Let's just keep spending on lots of programs.”
Oral Questions
The Environment
“I want to make excuses for the Prime Minister's pipeline plan. We have to live in the real world and work on other things. We're still working on our climate targets. I'm doing my part with my nature strategy. Everyone likes it.”
Oral Questions
Finance
“I will ignore your question about spending. I want to talk about my programs instead. They spend a lot of money! $8,000 per child, $800 per person for dental. I like these programs. They are useful for Canadians. I don't want to trim anything.”
“That's not true. My programs spend a lot of money. Families get $1,890 per year. That is good and real. I want to spend money now and later.”
Oral Questions
The Economy
“That's not true. I'm saying the government is already fixing it. We are helping people. Why won't you admit we are helping?”
Oral Questions
Finance
“I want to look good by saying I spend money to help people. More spending is always good. Big promises are nice. I'm just like every other politician. Spending money makes us strong!”