Analysis · Question Period answer · beta

Dominic LeBlanc

Liberal on The Economy 2026-05-04

77 words · 4 sentences · 5 clauses

Replying to Gabriel Ste-Marie (Bloc Québécois)

“Mr. Speaker, the revised U.S. tariff schedule in effect since April 6 is a disaster for Quebec’s manufacturing industry. The Desjardins Group reports that a quarter of all Quebec exports to the United States are now subject to tariffs. We are talking about a 60% increase overnight. Moreover, it is our small and medium-sized businesses that are being hit. Today’s announcement ignores the businesses that are most at risk. They cannot take on more debt to modernize in the medium term when they are at risk of shutting down right now. They need help today. Will the government change course?”

Statement grade

64 / 100, held down by Clarity

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

Claims 71%Promise 29%

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

Mr. Speaker, Claims · 55 wordsas my colleague the Minister of Industry clearly indicated, today we announced additional measures to support these businesses that are facing unjustified tariffs from the Americans.¹Vague promise I, too, have met with many of these businesses, as has my colleague, of course. Our ministers and our members of Parliament are very much aware of these challenges.Partly on point Promise · 22 wordsThat is precisely why we have supported these industries and that is precisely why we are here to do more if necessary.Vague promise

At a glance

Lost points for
VagueMuch of this statement used imprecise wording, lacked details on timing or responsibility, or made broad claims without support.

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 100

0 of 5 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.

Nothing lost points.

Relevance · 77

3 of 5 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 question asked.

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, too, have met with many of these businesses,”About meetings with businesses, not whether the government will change course.
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 has my colleague, of course.”About who has met businesses, not the course of action asked about.
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 ministers and our members of Parliament are very much aware of these challenges.”About ministers’ awareness of the challenges, not whether the approach will change.

Respect · 100

0 of 5 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 · 34

2 of 5 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.

A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “we announced additional measures”The measures are asserted but never named, so nothing specific can be checked or held to account.
A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “we are here to do more if necessary”A commitment to unspecified future action with no measure, date or success condition.

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“today we announced additional measures to support these businesses”On May 4, 2026, the government announced additional measures to support businesses facing U.S. tariffs.search

Analysed on 2026-10-20