Positioning 8% Procedure 8% Anecdote 12% Claims 49% Aside 1% Thanks 4% Reasoning 18%
Structure · 28 steps
Claims · 7
This view breaks the statement into its steps and names what each one does.
Mr. Speaker, Positioning · 15 words as you can see, there is a great sense of disappointment from across the way. Positioning Procedure · 20 words I am sure we could arrange to have unanimous consent so I would be able to finish the entire speech. Procedure Positioning · 23 words Having said that, I am a bit discouraged by the member who just spoke because he is trying to give a false impression. Off point Insult Procedure · 23 words There are two issues that I would like to address: the very serious issue of MAID and the very serious issue of veterans. Procedure Anecdote · 53 words I had the honour and privilege of serving in the Canadian Forces for just over three years.1 All of my postings were here in Canada, but I did walk side by side with World War II veterans in parades and had discussions in the legions immediately following the parades, as well as elsewhere. Anecdote Claims · 22 words I can tell those who are following the debate that individuals will always carry their own personal opinions in regard to veterans, Positioning · 19 words but to try to label the Government of Canada or the Prime Minister as anti-veteran does a great disservice. Positioning Aside · 11 words If members want to make a comparison, I am all game. Aside Claims · 83 words I sat in opposition when the leader of the Conservative Party of today was part of the group that cut nine Veterans Affairs offices in Canada.2 There were no apologies, no sincere, “We have to do this” or anything like that. There was no justification. It took having an election and having the then prime minister, Harper at the time, no longer in office to fix it. One of our first actions was to reinstate those Veterans Affairs offices that the Conservatives closed.3 Positioning · 18 words I have often seen members across the way try to argue a case that is just not true. Positioning Off point Thanks · 37 words We give the deepest amount of respect to the veterans of Canada. We recognize the valuable sacrifice that they have made for our nation. They are, in part, what make us the great nation that we are. Thanks Procedure · 11 words I just want to be very clear on that particular point. Procedure Claims · 90 words The parliamentary secretary who spoke prior to me talked about the report that shows that the department took an interest in the issue when it was brought to its attention. In fact, there was a consequence to it, and the department looked into the tens of thousands of files.4 We need to make sure that, as a government, we are clear that that sort of behaviour, for which the employee was released, is not acceptable.5 We made it very clear that there is zero tolerance for that sort of attitude. Off point Procedure · 9 words Let us go now to the issue of MAID. Procedure Anecdote · 34 words Over the years, I have appreciated the different types of debates that take place on the floor of the House of Commons. They vary significantly. I recall the discussions that surrounded the MAID debate. Anecdote Claims · 126 words Those who were around will know full well the degree to which the House took the issue seriously. They know of the many mechanisms that were put into place so that we could hear from professionals and from the many individuals experiencing having to make very difficult decisions, whether they were the individual having a medical issue, a family member or a very close friend. Members know of the many hours that were put in at the standing committee and of the overflow of emotions at the standing committee, from all political parties. One of the first issues that we had to deal with when we came into government back in 2015 was the need to bring in MAID legislation because of a Supreme Court decision.6 Anecdote · 34 words I can recall very clearly when we had members standing up on all sides of the House, in tears, talking about personal experiences or reflecting on what was taking place in our standing committees. Anecdote Partly on point Claims · 42 words I believe every single member who has been part of that debate, from the very beginning to this moment today, feels no one should ever feel pressured into a decision about their own health. This is something all of us agree on. Reasoning · 78 words This is a very personal decision. We should respect and look to those individuals who have the expertise, the understanding and the compassion. Human life is the most valuable thing we have. I would think that every member of Parliament, no matter what side of the House they are on, understands and appreciates that and would make decisions based on the information that has been put on the table and ultimately on the consensus that has been built. Claims · 6 words Our courts have been very clear: Reasoning · 34 words As parliamentarians, we have a responsibility. Part of that responsibility is to work with other jurisdictions. We can establish laws, but we also need to recognize that provinces have a critical role to play. Claims · 61 words In fact, it is often a starting point when it goes to a court or a superior court. For example, there is the Province of Quebec and a follow-up decision that came after we had actually passed the legislation.7 As a government, we have looked at ways we can review and have been open to the idea of changes, if needed. Reasoning · 35 words This is not something we should be taking lightly. At the end of the day, I believe it is about listening and responding in a loving, caring way. It is about doing the right thing. Claims · 39 words In previous debates, we heard a lot about issues like hospice care, palliative care and the types of disability supports that exist. These are all things that were part of the original discussions and that continue to be discussed. Reasoning · 28 words We should continue to work at improving the conditions, but that means working with other jurisdictions like the provinces, which are responsible for the administration of health care. Claims · 12 words There are a lot of things we can do on this issue. Partly on point Procedure · 14 words I need to wind up, so I will leave it at that for now. Procedure
At a glance
Lost points for Partly on point ×29 Off point ×20 Anecdote ×8 Procedure ×7 Positioning ×3 Thanks ×3 Insult Aside Off topic Only 8% of this speech directly addressed the bill under debate. Personal attack This statement targeted a person rather than their actions or views: “he is trying to give a false impression”.
Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.
What the tags mean →
Signal · 65
22 of 72 deductions are Signal
Signal checks whether every part makes a point, gives a reason, or asks for action. A low score means the speaker filled time with fluff, pleasantries, or attacks.
Positioning Praise, blame or attack with no claim, reason or ask in it. What the tags mean → “as you can see, there is a great sense of disappointment from across the way.” Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.
Procedure Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business. What the tags mean → “I am sure we could arrange to have unanimous consent so I would be able to finish the entire speech.” Procedure or throat-clearing: no claim, reason or ask.
Procedure Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business. What the tags mean → “There are two issues that I would like to address:” Procedure or throat-clearing: no claim, reason or ask.
Procedure Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business. What the tags mean → “the very serious issue of MAID and the very serious issue of veterans.” Procedure or throat-clearing: no claim, reason or ask.
Anecdote A story that illustrates instead of making a point. What the tags mean → “I had the honour and privilege of serving in the Canadian Forces for just over three years.” An anecdote: it illustrates, it does not claim, reason or ask.
Anecdote A story that illustrates instead of making a point. What the tags mean → “All of my postings were here in Canada,” An anecdote: it illustrates, it does not claim, reason or ask.
Anecdote A story that illustrates instead of making a point. What the tags mean → “but I did walk side by side with World War II veterans in parades and had discussions in the legions immediately following the parades,” An anecdote: it illustrates, it does not claim, reason or ask.
Anecdote A story that illustrates instead of making a point. What the tags mean → “as well as elsewhere.” An anecdote: it illustrates, it does not claim, reason or ask.
Positioning Praise, blame or attack with no claim, reason or ask in it. What the tags mean → “but to try to label the Government of Canada or the Prime Minister as anti-veteran does a great disservice.” Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.
Aside A remark off to the side of the point. What the tags mean → “If members want to make a comparison, I am all game.” An aside: no claim, reason or ask.
Positioning Praise, blame or attack with no claim, reason or ask in it. What the tags mean → “I have often seen members across the way try to argue a case that is just not true.” Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.
Thanks Thanks and tributes. What the tags mean → “We give the deepest amount of respect to the veterans of Canada.” Thanks: no claim, reason or ask.
Thanks Thanks and tributes. What the tags mean → “We recognize the valuable sacrifice that they have made for our nation.” Thanks: no claim, reason or ask.
Thanks Thanks and tributes. What the tags mean → “They are, in part, what make us the great nation that we are.” Thanks: no claim, reason or ask.
Procedure Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business. What the tags mean → “I just want to be very clear on that particular point.” Procedure or throat-clearing: no claim, reason or ask.
Procedure Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business. What the tags mean → “Let us go now to the issue of MAID.” Procedure or throat-clearing: no claim, reason or ask.
Anecdote A story that illustrates instead of making a point. What the tags mean → “Over the years, I have appreciated the different types of debates that take place on the floor of the House of Commons.” An anecdote: it illustrates, it does not claim, reason or ask.
Anecdote A story that illustrates instead of making a point. What the tags mean → “They vary significantly.” An anecdote: it illustrates, it does not claim, reason or ask.
Anecdote A story that illustrates instead of making a point. What the tags mean → “I recall the discussions that surrounded the MAID debate.” An anecdote: it illustrates, it does not claim, reason or ask.
Anecdote A story that illustrates instead of making a point. What the tags mean → “I can recall very clearly when we had members standing up on all sides of the House, in tears, talking about personal experiences or reflecting on what was taking place in our standing committees.” An anecdote: it illustrates, it does not claim, reason or ask.
Procedure Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business. What the tags mean → “I need to wind up,” Procedure or throat-clearing: no claim, reason or ask.
Procedure Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business. What the tags mean → “so I will leave it at that for now.” Procedure or throat-clearing: no claim, reason or ask.
Relevance · 35
49 of 72 deductions are Relevance
Relevance checks whether the speaker stays on topic and answers the question asked. A low score means the speaker dodged the issue. Measured against the bill under debate.
Off point Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate. What the tags mean → “Having said that, I am a bit discouraged by the member who just spoke because he is trying to give a false impression.” An accusation about the previous speaker’s impression, not about what the bill does.
Off point Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate. What the tags mean → “I had the honour and privilege of serving in the Canadian Forces for just over three years.” Personal military service, not the bill.
Off point Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate. What the tags mean → “All of my postings were here in Canada,” Details of military postings, not the bill.
Off point Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate. What the tags mean → “but I did walk side by side with World War II veterans in parades and had discussions in the legions immediately following the parades,” Recollections of veterans’ parades, not the bill.
Off point Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate. What the tags mean → “as well as elsewhere.” More recollection of veterans’ gatherings, not the bill.
Off point Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate. What the tags mean → “I can tell those who are following the debate that individuals will always carry their own personal opinions in regard to veterans,” About members’ personal views on veterans, not the bill.
Off point Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate. What the tags mean → “but to try to label the Government of Canada or the Prime Minister as anti-veteran does a great disservice.” Defends against an anti-veteran label, a subject the bill does not touch.
Off point Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate. What the tags mean → “If members want to make a comparison, I am all game.” Invites a comparison about veterans records, not the bill.
Off point Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate. What the tags mean → “I sat in opposition when the leader of the Conservative Party of today was part of the group that cut nine Veterans Affairs offices in Canada.” The Conservative leader’s past closure of Veterans Affairs offices, not the bill.
Off point Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate. What the tags mean → “There were no apologies, no sincere, “We have to do this” or anything like that.” Continues on the veterans office closures, not the bill.
Off point Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate. What the tags mean → “There was no justification.” Still on the veterans office closures, not the bill.
Off point Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate. What the tags mean → “It took having an election and having the then prime minister, Harper at the time, no longer in office to fix it.” The Harper government’s record on veterans offices, not the bill.
Off point Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate. What the tags mean → “One of our first actions was to reinstate those Veterans Affairs offices that the Conservatives closed.” Reinstatement of veterans offices by the government, not the bill.
Off point Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate. What the tags mean → “I have often seen members across the way try to argue a case that is just not true.” A claim about members’ arguments on veterans, not the bill.
Off point Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate. What the tags mean → “The parliamentary secretary who spoke prior to me talked about the report that shows that the department took an interest in the issue when it was brought to its attention.” A parliamentary secretary’s remarks on a veterans department report, not the bill.
Off point Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate. What the tags mean → “In fact, there was a consequence to it,” Consequences in a veterans affairs matter, not the bill.
Off point Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate. What the tags mean → “and the department looked into the tens of thousands of files.” Departmental review of veterans files, not the bill.
Off point Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate. What the tags mean → “We need to make sure that,” Introduces standards of conduct in a veterans employment matter, not the bill.
Off point Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate. What the tags mean → “as a government, we are clear that that sort of behaviour, for which the employee was released, is not acceptable.” An employee’s release over veterans-related conduct, not the bill.
Off point Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate. What the tags mean → “We made it very clear that there is zero tolerance for that sort of attitude.” Zero tolerance on that conduct matter, not the bill.
Partly on point Staying near the subject without addressing the matter at hand: what was asked, or what the bill, motion or speech is about. What the tags mean → “Over the years, I have appreciated the different types of debates that take place on the floor of the House of Commons.” Reflections on House debates generally, touching the bill’s subject only in passing.
Partly on point Staying near the subject without addressing the matter at hand: what was asked, or what the bill, motion or speech is about. What the tags mean → “They vary significantly.” How debates vary, not the bill’s proposal.
Partly on point Staying near the subject without addressing the matter at hand: what was asked, or what the bill, motion or speech is about. What the tags mean → “I recall the discussions that surrounded the MAID debate.” Recalls past MAID debates generally, not the bill’s specific offence.
Partly on point Staying near the subject without addressing the matter at hand: what was asked, or what the bill, motion or speech is about. What the tags mean → “Those who were around will know full well the degree to which the House took the issue seriously.” Past seriousness of the MAID issue, not what this bill would do.
Partly on point Staying near the subject without addressing the matter at hand: what was asked, or what the bill, motion or speech is about. What the tags mean → “They know of the many mechanisms that were put into place so that we could hear from professionals and from the many individuals experiencing having to make very difficult decisions, whether they were the individual having a medical issue, a family member or a very close friend.” Past consultation mechanisms on MAID, not this bill’s provisions.
Partly on point Staying near the subject without addressing the matter at hand: what was asked, or what the bill, motion or speech is about. What the tags mean → “Members know of the many hours that were put in at the standing committee and of the overflow of emotions at the standing committee, from all political parties.” Committee work on past MAID legislation, not this bill.
Partly on point Staying near the subject without addressing the matter at hand: what was asked, or what the bill, motion or speech is about. What the tags mean → “One of the first issues that we had to deal with when we came into government back in 2015 was the need to bring in MAID legislation because of a Supreme Court decision.” The 2015 introduction of MAID legislation, history around the subject but not this bill’s proposal.
Partly on point Staying near the subject without addressing the matter at hand: what was asked, or what the bill, motion or speech is about. What the tags mean → “I can recall very clearly when we had members standing up on all sides of the House, in tears, talking about personal experiences or reflecting on what was taking place in our standing committees.” Emotional scenes in past MAID debates, not the bill.
Partly on point Staying near the subject without addressing the matter at hand: what was asked, or what the bill, motion or speech is about. What the tags mean → “We should respect and look to those individuals who have the expertise, the understanding and the compassion.” General deference to experts and compassion, not what the bill would enact.
Partly on point Staying near the subject without addressing the matter at hand: what was asked, or what the bill, motion or speech is about. What the tags mean → “Human life is the most valuable thing we have.” A general statement on the value of human life, not the bill’s measures.
Partly on point Staying near the subject without addressing the matter at hand: what was asked, or what the bill, motion or speech is about. What the tags mean → “I would think that every member of Parliament, no matter what side of the House they are on, understands and appreciates that and would make decisions based on the information that has been put on the table and ultimately on the consensus that has been built.” How members decide generally, not the bill’s provisions.
Partly on point Staying near the subject without addressing the matter at hand: what was asked, or what the bill, motion or speech is about. What the tags mean → “Our courts have been very clear:” Turns to courts’ guidance, not what this bill would do.
Partly on point Staying near the subject without addressing the matter at hand: what was asked, or what the bill, motion or speech is about. What the tags mean → “As parliamentarians, we have a responsibility.” Parliament’s responsibility generally, not the bill’s offence.
Partly on point Staying near the subject without addressing the matter at hand: what was asked, or what the bill, motion or speech is about. What the tags mean → “Part of that responsibility is to work with other jurisdictions.” Working with other jurisdictions, not the bill’s measures.
Partly on point Staying near the subject without addressing the matter at hand: what was asked, or what the bill, motion or speech is about. What the tags mean → “We can establish laws,” Lawmaking capacity in the abstract, not this bill.
Partly on point Staying near the subject without addressing the matter at hand: what was asked, or what the bill, motion or speech is about. What the tags mean → “but we also need to recognize that provinces have a critical role to play.” Provincial roles in health care, which the bill does not address.
Partly on point Staying near the subject without addressing the matter at hand: what was asked, or what the bill, motion or speech is about. What the tags mean → “In fact, it is often a starting point when it goes to a court or a superior court.” Court process points, not the bill’s proposal.
Partly on point Staying near the subject without addressing the matter at hand: what was asked, or what the bill, motion or speech is about. What the tags mean → “For example, there is the Province of Quebec and a follow-up decision that came after we had actually passed the legislation.” A Quebec court decision after earlier MAID legislation, not this bill.
Partly on point Staying near the subject without addressing the matter at hand: what was asked, or what the bill, motion or speech is about. What the tags mean → “As a government, we have looked at ways we can review and have been open to the idea of changes,” Government openness to reviewing MAID, not this bill’s specific offence.
Partly on point Staying near the subject without addressing the matter at hand: what was asked, or what the bill, motion or speech is about. What the tags mean → “if needed.” Openness to changes generally, not what the bill proposes.
Partly on point Staying near the subject without addressing the matter at hand: what was asked, or what the bill, motion or speech is about. What the tags mean → “This is not something we should be taking lightly.” Calls for care on the issue without addressing the bill’s measures.
Partly on point Staying near the subject without addressing the matter at hand: what was asked, or what the bill, motion or speech is about. What the tags mean → “At the end of the day, I believe it is about listening and responding in a loving, caring way.” A general sentiment about listening and caring, not the bill’s provisions.
Partly on point Staying near the subject without addressing the matter at hand: what was asked, or what the bill, motion or speech is about. What the tags mean → “It is about doing the right thing.” Doing the right thing in the abstract, not the bill.
Partly on point Staying near the subject without addressing the matter at hand: what was asked, or what the bill, motion or speech is about. What the tags mean → “In previous debates, we heard a lot about issues like hospice care, palliative care and the types of disability supports that exist.” Hospice, palliative care and disability supports touched in past debates, not what this bill would enact.
Partly on point Staying near the subject without addressing the matter at hand: what was asked, or what the bill, motion or speech is about. What the tags mean → “These are all things that were part of the original discussions and that continue to be discussed.” Continuing discussions of those supports, not this bill’s offence.
Partly on point Staying near the subject without addressing the matter at hand: what was asked, or what the bill, motion or speech is about. What the tags mean → “We should continue to work at improving the conditions,” Improving conditions broadly, not the bill’s proposal.
Partly on point Staying near the subject without addressing the matter at hand: what was asked, or what the bill, motion or speech is about. What the tags mean → “but that means working with other jurisdictions like the provinces,” Working with other jurisdictions, which the bill does not involve.
Partly on point Staying near the subject without addressing the matter at hand: what was asked, or what the bill, motion or speech is about. What the tags mean → “which are responsible for the administration of health care.” Provincial health care administration, not the bill’s measures.
Partly on point Staying near the subject without addressing the matter at hand: what was asked, or what the bill, motion or speech is about. What the tags mean → “There are a lot of things we can do on this issue.” Things possible on the issue generally, without addressing the bill.
Respect · 96
1 of 72 deductions are Respect
Respect checks whether the speaker argued with people’s positions and records rather than attacking the people: insults, mockery, or bad motives assigned to them. Criticism of what someone did, however strong, is not marked.
Insult An insult aimed at a person. What the tags mean → “he is trying to give a false impression” It attributes to the member who just spoke a deliberate intent to mislead, which is a charge of dishonesty against him personally.
Clarity · 100
0 of 72 deductions are Clarity
Clarity checks for plain speaking, clear ownership of actions, and honest limits on certainty. A low score means vague promises or evasive language.
Nothing lost points.
Claims · 7
This list shows the factual statements you can check for yourself: the words as said, and the claim restated to stand on its own.
1 “serving in the Canadian Forces for just over three years” Kevin Lamoureux served in the Canadian Forces for just over three years, with all postings in Canada. search 2 “cut nine Veterans Affairs offices in Canada” Nine Veterans Affairs offices in Canada were closed when the current Conservative Party leader was part of the Harper government. search 3 “One of our first actions was to reinstate those Veterans Affairs offices that the Conservatives closed” The Liberal government reinstated the Veterans Affairs offices that the previous Conservative government had closed, among its first actions after taking office. search 4 “the department looked into the tens of thousands of files” Veterans Affairs Canada reviewed tens of thousands of files after a misconduct issue was brought to its attention. search 5 “that sort of behaviour, for which the employee was released” A Veterans Affairs employee was released from employment over the misconduct in question. search 6 “the need to bring in MAID legislation because of a Supreme Court decision” The Liberal government elected in 2015 brought in medical assistance in dying legislation in response to a Supreme Court of Canada decision. search 7 “there is the Province of Quebec and a follow-up decision that came after we had actually passed the legislation” A court decision involving Quebec followed after the federal MAID legislation was passed. search
