Analysis · Question Period answer · beta

Jill McKnight

Liberal on Taxation 2026-05-04

62 words · 5 sentences · 6 clauses

Replying to Bob Zimmer (Conservative)

“Mr. Speaker, those empty words will not fill empty stomachs. The Liberals tell us that gas prices are up because world oil prices are at $100 a barrel. Do members know when oil was also at $100 a barrel? It was in 2014, under our Conservative government. The price at the pump then was $1.38 per litre, not $1.99 for gas or $2.29 for diesel, as it is today in Fort St. John. Will the Liberal Prime Minister stop the illusion and scrap all gas taxes all year so Canadians can afford to live again?”

Statement grade

B–

Average 74 / 100

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

Claims 66%Positioning 34%

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

Mr. Speaker, Claims · 20 wordswe are aware of the impact of fuel prices. That is why we brought them down by 10¢ a litre.¹ Positioning · 11 wordsWe are addressing exactly what the member opposite is talking about.PositioningVague promise Claims · 21 wordsWe are also delivering the groceries and essentials benefit, ²and we made the national school food program permanent to help families.³ Positioning · 10 wordsWe are doing the work that is being asked for.PositioningPartly on pointVague promise

At a glance

Lost points for

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 62

2 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.

Praise, blame or attack with no claim, reason or ask in it.What the tags mean “We are addressing exactly what the member opposite is talking about.”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 “We are doing the work that is being asked for.”Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 71

3 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 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 “We are also delivering the groceries and essentials benefit,”Names another measure for families rather than answering whether gas taxes will be scrapped.
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 “and we made the national school food program permanent to help families.”Names another food-cost measure rather than answering whether gas taxes will be scrapped.
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 are doing the work that is being asked for.”A general claim of doing the work without addressing whether the gas taxes will be scrapped.

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 · 62

2 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.

A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “We are addressing”Claims action on the member’s concern without naming any measure, actor or outcome.
A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “We are doing the work that is being asked for”Asserts ongoing action with no measure, date or success condition attached.

Claims · 3

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“we brought them down by 10¢ a litre”The government removed 10 cents a litre from fuel prices (through tax measures).search
2“delivering the groceries and essentials benefit”The government is delivering a groceries and essentials benefit.search
3“we made the national school food program permanent”The government made the national school food program permanent.search

Analysed on 2026-10-20