Analysis · Question Period answer · beta

Steven MacKinnon

Liberal on The Economy 2026-05-04

72 words · 5 sentences · 6 clauses

Replying to Alexandre Boulerice (Independent)

“Mr. Speaker, despite the government’s promises, people are struggling to make ends meet, especially in Montreal. According to the Institut de recherche et d’informations socioéconomiques, Montreal is the most expensive city in Quebec. A family of two adults and two children in Montreal would need to be bringing in $88,800 after taxes to have a livable income. A livable income is enough to meet basic needs with a little bit extra for a rainy day. That is all, but thousands of people do not have that. Rather than helping their billionaire friends, when will the Liberals take action so that everyone can live with dignity?”

Statement grade

B+

Average 80 / 100

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

Claims 44%Positioning 25%Promise 7%Procedure 7%The question 17%

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

Mr. Speaker, Claims · 24 wordslet us think about the dental care program, pharmacare, the school food program, the increase to old age security and the Canada child benefit.¹ Positioning · 18 wordsCanada is always there to help the less fortunate, those who need a hand to make ends meet.Positioning Promise · 5 wordsIt will always be there.Vague promise Procedure · 5 wordsThe real question is this: ProcedureThe question · 12 wordsWhen will we get the support of all members of this House? Claims · 8 wordsThe Conservatives are always voting against these measures.²Off point

At a glance

Lost points for

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 63

2 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.

Praise, blame or attack with no claim, reason or ask in it.What the tags mean “Canada is always there to help the less fortunate, those who need a hand to make ends meet.”Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.
Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business.What the tags mean “The real question is this:”Procedure or throat-clearing: no claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 65

2 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.

Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “When will we get the support of all members of this House?”A demand that other members offer support, not an answer to when the government will act.
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 Conservatives are always voting against these measures.”About the Conservatives’ voting record in place of answering the question.

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 · 90

1 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 “It will always be there”A commitment to ongoing support with no measure, date or success condition named.

Claims · 2

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“the dental care program, pharmacare, the school food program, the increase to old age security and the Canada child benefit”The dental care program, pharmacare, the school food program, the increase to old age security, and the Canada child benefit are topics for consideration.search
2“The Conservatives are always voting against these measures”The Conservatives consistently vote against the measures mentioned.search

Analysed on 2026-10-20