Analysis · Debate reply · beta

David McGuinty

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

108 words · 7 sentences · 7 clauses

Replying to John Brassard (Conservative)

“Mr. Speaker, this is another truly sad day for our democracy and our democratic institutions. The decline in democracy is continuing with the Liberal government. The defence minister keeps referencing the Arbour report. That report was established almost seven years ago and only five years ago did the government start implementing any of the recommendations in the report. We have had all this despite the fact that seven years later, things have changed significantly. We had CAF members, stakeholders and veterans all come to committee and talk about this, yet the government continues to ignore the voices of those who know better than government what types of systems should be in place and it is gutting every committee recommendation. Is it not true that the government only wants an audience, not an opposition?”

Statement grade

C+

69 / 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.

Claims 85%Positioning 15%

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

Mr. Speaker, Claims · 57 wordsmaybe in conclusion I could remind the member that the chief of the defence staff, in her previous position, spoke to 14,000 individuals.¹ I am not sure where he is deriving his numbers from. As a result of that as well, Madam Justice Arbour actually conducted one of the deepest commissions of inquiry in this whole area.Partly on point Positioning · 16 wordsThe member knows better than to hurl this kind of invective. It is not like him.PositioningOff point Claims · 35 wordsAs a result of that, I think what we should do is remind ourselves that this is about enhancing trust. That is what Bill C-11 will do and that is why we are moving forward.Partly on point

At a glance

Lost points for
Didn't answerNone of this reply addressed the specific point raised or the topic under debate.

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 81

2 of 9 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.

Praise, blame or attack with no claim, reason or ask in it.What the tags mean “The member knows better than to hurl this kind of invective.”Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.
Praise, blame or attack with no claim, reason or ask in it.What the tags mean “It is not like him.”Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 39

7 of 9 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 “maybe in conclusion I could remind the member that the chief of the defence staff, in her previous position, spoke to 14,000 individuals.”About consultation figures from the chief of the defence staff, not whether the government wants an opposition.
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 am not sure where he is deriving his numbers from.”Queries the source of the member’s figures without addressing what was put.
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 result of that as well, Madam Justice Arbour actually conducted one of the deepest commissions of inquiry in this whole area.”On the subject of the question, but no answer to what was asked can be drawn from it.
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 member knows better than to hurl this kind of invective.”About the member’s manner of speaking, not the bill or the point put.
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 is not like him.”A personal remark about the member’s character, not the point put or the bill.
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 result of that, I think what we should do is remind ourselves that this is about enhancing trust.”On the subject of the question, but no answer to what was asked can be drawn from it.
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 “That is what Bill C-11 will do and that is why we are moving forward.”On the subject of the question, but no answer to what was asked can be drawn from it.

Respect · 100

0 of 9 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 9 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 · 1

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“spoke to 14,000 individuals”The Chief of the Defence Staff, in her previous position, spoke to 14,000 individuals.search

Analysed on 2026-10-20