Oral Questions
Taxation
“I'm going to blame high gas prices on a war in Iran. The other side just doesn't get it.”
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
Hon. Steven MacKinnon
MacKinnon is a skilled evader, often filling time with irrelevant flattery and attacks on other parties instead of answering direct questions. He frequently touts his government's spending and infrastructure projects as unqualified successes, while painting opposition as heartless obstructionists. Dwells on Quebec ridings and projects as political cover.
Oral Questions
Small Business
“The government is spending a lot of money to help businesses. Why won't you congratulate us? Support our programs; they will help everyone in Quebec.”
“I want credit for our one-time bailout to manufacturers because of unfair US tariffs. Praise the government today because the Prime Minister announced a big aircraft order for Quebec's economy.”
Oral Questions
Finance
“Don't look at the Prime Minister's spending. Look at the big plane order announced today! It's good for Quebec jobs.”
Oral Questions
Health
“I don't like your slogans. The opposition should say what they would cut.”
Oral Questions
Finance
“I want you to either agree with spending more money or spell out exactly what you would cut. I think you're afraid to say what you actually want to take away.”
Oral Questions
Finance
“I'm filling time with kind words about programs to train our workforce. Let's keep spending lots of money. We'll hire some people, mostly young people, to help build a train. It will be great.”
Oral Questions
Rail Transportation
“I want this rail project to happen. Never mind the complaints. There will be some kind of consultation later. You just want to scare people.”
“I want the government to spend lots of money on a rail project I like. I'll say many nice-sounding words and promises so you'll agree with me.”
Oral Questions
The Economy
“I listed many spending programs to show my government cares. I want everyone to cheer for it. If you don't cheer you must not care about less fortunate people.”
Oral Questions
Natural Resources
“I'm going to ignore your real question and instead brag about a big energy project that fits our narrative. Look at all the good things our government is doing. $4 billion invested! Indigenous participation! Jobs and wealth for everyone! Aren't we great?”
“I want to cheer for government spending and programs. I will list many big numbers to make the government look good. We are spending lots of your money. LNG projects employ some Canadians and have some indigenous participation. We have lots of plans to spend more of your money. The government is big and strong!”
Oral Questions
Public Services and Procurement
“I don't like that you're trying to make us look bad. We did nothing wrong. The software is good.”
Government Orders
Military Justice System Modernization Act
“I don't want to talk about this bill anymore. Talking takes time. Lets vote now so we don't have to talk.”
Oral Questions
Business of the House
“All the Conservatives do is repeat what their leader tells them. We Liberals work hard in the House and will keep being open and transparent. Next week we'll debate some bills we think are good for people.”
Oral Questions
Air Transportation
“I want to reassure people that airport safety is fine. I'm not going to change anything.”
Oral Questions
Finance
“I want to change the subject. I don't want to talk about high prices and borrowing. I want to talk about how the other guys ask annoying questions.”
Oral Questions
Finance
“I won't answer about debt and inflation. You just oppose everything we try. I'll keep spending money to buy votes.”
“We Liberals are doing a good job. We have many programs to help young people with their careers and homes. The Conservatives are bad and just complain. We are very responsible with money.”
“I think the government should spend more money. We should spend money on workforce training and infrastructure projects. That will create jobs in construction. Our young people need job opportunities. The government must spend money to make Canada better.”