Analysis · Debate reply · beta

Ryan Turnbull

Liberal on Adjournment Proceedings 2026-05-04

541 words · 25 sentences · 37 clauses

Replying to William Stevenson (Conservative)

“Mr. Speaker, over the past year, I have sent various reports and updates to households and businesses across the 35 communities of my beautiful riding. Yellowhead, this last election, has significantly changed boundaries, incorporating areas from five previous ridings. One of the mailers was a tax guide to help individuals, families and businesses to keep more of their hard-earned dollars. Many have found this mailer very helpful. However, hundreds, if not thousands, of my constituents did not receive it due to a lack of coordination between Canada Post, Elections Canada and the House of Commons printing services. I encourage those watching to visit my website and review my monthly updates, but please know that my team and I are actively working with all parties involved to resolve these delivery issues so that they receive the information they expect from their member of Parliament. People have the right to hear from their elected officials. Taxpayers are paying for the service, and it is unacceptable that my constituents are not receiving it. As the only CPA with public practice experience in the House, every day I hear from law-abiding Canadians and professional accountants. People are struggling to navigate an increasingly complex tax system. Individuals with limited Internet and those lacking computer skills are being discriminated against when dealing with CRA and their access. A recent report out of British Columbia is deeply concerning. A Canada Revenue Agency employee has been charged after allegedly compromising sensitive tax information and is now facing charges including breach of trust, identity theft and fraud following a multi-year investigation. While honest taxpayers are being burdened, cases like this raise questions. Canadians expect the CRA to protect their sensitive financial information. Instead, we see situations where bad actors within the system are able to access, misuse and abuse the data for years before being caught. Tax fairness is not just about how much people pay. It is about ensuring that the system treats everyone equally. That means going after the wrongdoers while respecting and supporting the millions of Canadians who follow the rules. In April, in response to my question regarding removal of all gas taxes, the Liberal minister said that “Albertans are looking for the government to provide solutions” and claimed that her government is “delivering”. What is true is that Albertans are looking for change. What is lacking is any proof that the government is actually delivering. Real action would mean scrapping all federal gas and diesel taxes for the rest of the year, not pausing a third of the taxes for a third of the year. That is not delivery; that is a headline. Statistics Canada has confirmed that Canada continues to have the worst food inflation in the G7. Even with the temporary pause of the excise tax, Canadians are still paying nearly 15% more at the pump than Americans, due to the higher taxes and our weaker dollar. Families feel this every day. Higher fuel costs drive up prices across the board, forcing Canadians to choose between filling their tank and filling their grocery cart. Therefore, I will ask again: If the government knows that energy costs drive everything else, why will it not remove all federal fuel taxes and deliver real relief?”

Statement grade

D+

53 / 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 80%Procedure 1%Positioning 20%

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

Claims · 74 wordsClearly, Mr. Speaker, Canadians are navigating a rapidly changing, increasingly fragmented and volatile global economy, one that is more complex, more unpredictable and, for many, more costly as well.Unearned certainty In response, our government continues to focus on what we can control, Partly on pointVague promisewhich is building a strong Canadian economy and diversifying our trade partners abroad. We see signs of progress, with 20 new trade and security agreements signed and a 36% increase in non-U.S. trade, ¹Off pointProcedure · 3 wordswhich is significant.Procedure Claims · 67 wordsWe are also focused on delivering responsible fiscal management and supporting Canadians who are under pressure from everyday expenses.Partly on pointVague promise Just last week, on Friday, I had the opportunity to list 19 different tax cuts that our government has made.² There was no response from the Conservatives, of course, because they did not support 99% of them.³ I think there might have been one they allowed to pass, Positioning · 15 wordsbut I am sure if they could have blocked them, they would have done so, PositioningClaims · 75 wordsbecause that is exactly what we see in this House: Off pointthe Conservatives obstructing and voting against the very things that help Canadians, whether it is child care or a national school food program, a groceries and essentials benefit, an income tax cut, suspending the fuel excise tax, and on and on. Every single measure we put forward that actually helps to tangibly reduce the cost of living pressures on Canadians, they vote against and oppose. Positioning · 24 wordsI do not know how they can stand up in the House and say they actually care about households and the cost of living.PositioningOff point Claims · 153 wordsThe other thing the member opposite suggested is that the tax system has become more complex. It is true, as we offer investment tax credits for businesses and waive, or increase deductions for, certain kinds of expenses, or as we help tradespeople who are moving across the country, relocating for work, by allowing them to deduct more of those expenses, that it is more complex for Canadians. However, we have also moved forward with an automatic tax filing system and initiative that will help millions of Canadians who, for the many accessing federal benefits and supports, rely on filing their taxes.⁴ We know full well that it will help with simple tax filings.Unearned certainty It also means that other Canadians will be able to get access to benefits because it better utilizes government resources to help those with the simplest tax filings to access the tax benefits and federal payments they are eligible for. Positioning · 7 wordsWe are stepping up to help out.PositioningVague promise Claims · 35 wordsWe have fiscal strength.Partly on point The IMF said recently that we have the strongest fiscal position in the G7 and that we should use our fiscal capacity, ⁵which is exactly what the federal government is doing. Positioning · 29 wordsI know Conservatives would never invest in Canadians. They do not believe in Canadians. They do not believe in boosting the economy. That is not the Liberal Party’s position.Positioning Claims · 27 wordsOur position is to use our fiscal capacity to boost our economy. We see those investments coming to fruition and manifesting good-paying jobs for generations to come. Positioning · 32 wordsThat is the prosperity we are building. That is how we build Canada strong, and we are not going to back down just because Conservatives talk a good game in this House.PositioningOff pointVague promise

At a glance

Lost points for
Echo ×20“That is how we build Canada strong.” Said 20 times by 14 members.Every time it was said
Echo ×4“Our government continues to focus on what we can control.” Said 4 times by 3 members.Every time it was said

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 62

11 of 50 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 “which is significant.”Procedure or throat-clearing: no claim, reason or ask.
Praise, blame or attack with no claim, reason or ask in it.What the tags mean “but I am sure if they could have blocked them, they would have done so,”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 “I do not know how they can stand up in the House and say they actually care about households and the cost of living.”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 stepping up to help out.”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 “I know Conservatives would never invest in Canadians.”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 “They do not believe in Canadians.”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 “They do not believe in boosting the economy.”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 “That is not the Liberal Party’s position.”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 “That is the prosperity we are building.”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 “That is how we build Canada strong,”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 “and we are not going to back down just because Conservatives talk a good game in this House.”Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 23

33 of 50 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 on notice, as the member's speech raises 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 “Clearly, Mr. Speaker, Canadians are navigating a rapidly changing, increasingly fragmented and volatile global economy, one that is more complex, more unpredictable and, for many, more costly as well.”About the general economy and cost pressures, not the fuel taxes 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 “In response, our government continues to focus on what we can control,”States a general governing focus without addressing the fuel tax question.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “which is building a strong Canadian economy and diversifying our trade partners abroad.”About building the economy and trade diversification, not fuel taxes.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “We see signs of progress, with 20 new trade and security agreements signed and a 36% increase in non-U.S. trade,”About trade agreements and non-U.S. trade, not 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 focused on delivering responsible fiscal management and supporting Canadians who are under pressure from everyday expenses.”Names support for everyday expenses in general, not the fuel tax relief asked for.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “There was no response from the Conservatives, of course,”About the Conservatives’ lack of response, in place of an answer.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “because they did not support 99% of them.”An attack on the Conservatives’ voting record, not on the fuel tax question.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “I think there might have been one they allowed to pass,”A quip about the Conservatives’ one bill, not about fuel taxes.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “but I am sure if they could have blocked them, they would have done so,”Speculation about the Conservatives blocking bills, not 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 “because that is exactly what we see in this House:”About what is seen in the House generally, not fuel tax relief.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “Every single measure we put forward that actually helps to tangibly reduce the cost of living pressures on Canadians, they vote against and oppose.”An attack on the Conservatives’ voting record in place of an answer.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “I do not know how they can stand up in the House and say they actually care about households and the cost of living.”A challenge to the Conservatives’ sincerity, not an answer on fuel taxes.
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 “The other thing the member opposite suggested is that the tax system has become more complex.”Takes up the member’s tax-complexity point, not the fuel tax 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 “It is true,”Concedes complexity, without addressing fuel taxes.
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 we offer investment tax credits for businesses and waive,”About investment tax credits, not the fuel tax relief 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 “or increase deductions for, certain kinds of expenses,”About deductions for expenses, not the fuel tax question.
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 “or as we help tradespeople who are moving across the country, relocating for work, by allowing them to deduct more of those expenses, that it is more complex for Canadians.”About tradespeople’s deductions and complexity, not fuel taxes.
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 “However, we have also moved forward with an automatic tax filing system and initiative that will help millions of Canadians who, for the many accessing federal benefits and supports, rely on filing their taxes.”About automatic tax filing, not the fuel tax relief asked for.
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 know full well that it will help with simple tax filings.”About simple tax filings, not fuel taxes.
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 “It also means that other Canadians will be able to get access to benefits because it better utilizes government resources to help those with the simplest tax filings to access the tax benefits and federal payments they are eligible for.”About access to benefits through filing, not the fuel tax question.
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 stepping up to help out.”A general claim of helping out, without addressing fuel taxes.
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 have fiscal strength.”About fiscal strength and general support, not the fuel tax relief asked for.
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 IMF said recently that we have the strongest fiscal position in the G7 and that we should use our fiscal capacity,”About the IMF’s view of fiscal position, not fuel taxes.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “which is exactly what the federal government is doing.”About the government’s fiscal conduct generally, not 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 “I know Conservatives would never invest in Canadians.”An attack on what Conservatives would do, in place of an answer.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “They do not believe in Canadians.”A claim about the Conservatives’ beliefs, not fuel taxes.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “They do not believe in boosting the economy.”A claim about the Conservatives’ economic beliefs, not 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 “That is not the Liberal Party’s position.”About party positions generally, not fuel tax relief.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “Our position is to use our fiscal capacity to boost our economy.”About the party’s general fiscal approach, not the fuel tax question.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “We see those investments coming to fruition and manifesting good-paying jobs for generations to come.”About investments and future jobs, not fuel taxes.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “That is the prosperity we are building.”A general prosperity claim, not the relief asked about.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “That is how we build Canada strong,”A general slogan about building Canada, not fuel taxes.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “and we are not going to back down just because Conservatives talk a good game in this House.”About not backing down to Conservatives, not the question asked.

Respect · 100

0 of 50 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 · 66

6 of 50 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.

Something stated as certain with nothing to back it.What the tags mean “Clearly”The word asserts certainty without offering any source or evidence for the characterization.
A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “continues to focus on what we can control”The commitment names no measure, actor or success condition beyond general focus.
A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “delivering responsible fiscal management and supporting Canadians”A commitment to goals with no specific measure, date or test of success.
Something stated as certain with nothing to back it.What the tags mean “We know full well”The formula asserts certainty in place of a source for the claim that follows.
A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “We are stepping up to help out”A commitment with no action, measure or date named.
A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “we are not going to back down”A resolve stated without any concrete commitment, measure or condition.

Echo · 2 repeated lines

Words members of Parliament keep repeating, found by the same rule for every member. No score depends on it.

“That is how we build Canada strong.”Said 20 times by 14 members.Every time it was said
“Our government continues to focus on what we can control.”Said 4 times by 3 members.Every time it was said

Claims · 5

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“20 new trade and security agreements signed and a 36% increase in non-U.S. trade”Canada’s government has signed 20 new trade and security agreements and non-U.S. trade has increased by 36%.search
2“19 different tax cuts that our government has made”In a House statement on Friday, May 1, 2026, Ryan Turnbull listed 19 tax cuts made by the Liberal government.search
3“they did not support 99% of them”Conservatives voted against 99% of the 19 tax cuts the Liberal government made.search
4“an automatic tax filing system and initiative”The federal government has moved forward with an automatic tax filing initiative to help Canadians with simple tax filings.search
5“the strongest fiscal position in the G7”The IMF recently said Canada has the strongest fiscal position in the G7.search

Analysed on 2026-10-20