Analysis · Debate reply · beta

David McGuinty

Liberal on Military Justice System Modernization Act 2026-05-04

131 words · 5 sentences · 8 clauses

Replying to Elizabeth May (Green)

“Mr. Speaker, as we are now debating not Bill C-11 itself but time allocation, I would like to remind my hon. friend the Minister of National Defence and cast his mind back to when the Liberals were the third party in the House and the Harper Conservatives used time allocation over and over again. In those days, those of us back in this corner would say frequently that we did not need time allocation, that we should properly debate and that the routine use of time allocation is anti-democratic. I hold to that view no matter who is holding the reins of power. It is anti-democratic to shut down debate early. This is why I will be voting no to time allocation. I do support pursuing Madam Justice Arbour’s recommendations, but I do not like being bulldozed.”

Statement grade

77 / 100, held down by Relevance

A score under 50 is red. Choose a measurement to see where it lost points and why; choose it again to clear.

Procedure 12%Claims 66%Reasoning 22%

This view breaks the statement into its steps and names what each one does.

Mr. Speaker, Procedure · 16 wordsit gives me an opportunity to talk a little more about what is in the bill.Procedure Claims · 86 wordsWe would be codifying in law that the Canadian Armed Forces no longer have jurisdiction over Criminal Code sexual offences committed in Canada.¹ We would be codifying in law that civilian authorities have exclusive jurisdiction for investigating and prosecuting these Criminal Code sexual offences committed in Canada.² We would be establishing a victim liaison officer to be provided to victims throughout the transfer of cases, regardless of jurisdiction.⁴ We would be elevating the role of key justice actors to increase their independence, among other fundamental changes, ³Partly on pointReasoning · 29 wordswhich I know my colleague, as a lawyer, understands would be important in strengthening not only that justice be seen to be done, but that it actually be done.Partly on point

At a glance

Lost points for

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 83

1 of 7 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.

Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business.What the tags mean “it gives me an opportunity to talk a little more about what is in the bill.”Procedure or throat-clearing: no claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 47

6 of 7 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 point put to the member, and the motion under debate.

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 would be codifying in law that the Canadian Armed Forces no longer have jurisdiction over Criminal Code sexual offences committed in Canada.”About the bill’s provisions on sexual offence jurisdiction, not the time allocation motion under debate.
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 would be codifying in law that civilian authorities have exclusive jurisdiction for investigating and prosecuting these Criminal Code sexual offences committed in Canada.”About the bill’s provisions on civilian jurisdiction, not the time allocation motion under debate.
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 would be establishing a victim liaison officer to be provided to victims throughout the transfer of cases, regardless of jurisdiction.”About the bill’s victim liaison officer measure, not the time allocation motion under debate.
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 would be elevating the role of key justice actors to increase their independence, among other fundamental changes,”About the bill’s changes to judicial independence, not the time allocation motion under debate.
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 lawyer, understands would be important in strengthening not only that justice be seen to be done,”Compliments the member’s legal understanding rather than addressing the time allocation being debated.
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 it actually be done.”Elaborates the bill’s merits on justice being done, not the time allocation motion under debate.

Respect · 100

0 of 7 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.

Nothing lost points.

Clarity · 100

0 of 7 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 · 4

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“Canadian Armed Forces no longer have jurisdiction over Criminal Code sexual offences committed in Canada”Bill C-11 codifies that the Canadian Armed Forces no longer have jurisdiction over Criminal Code sexual offences committed in Canada.search
2“civilian authorities have exclusive jurisdiction for investigating and prosecuting these Criminal Code sexual offences committed in Canada”Bill C-11 codifies that civilian authorities have exclusive jurisdiction for investigating and prosecuting Criminal Code sexual offences committed in Canada.search
3“elevating the role of key justice actors to increase their independence”Bill C-11 would elevate the role of key justice actors to increase their independence.search
4“establishing a victim liaison officer to be provided to victims throughout the transfer of cases, regardless of jurisdiction”Bill C-11 would establish a victim liaison officer to be provided to victims throughout the transfer of cases, regardless of jurisdiction.search

Analysed on 2026-10-20