Analysis · Debate reply · beta

Carlos Leitão

Liberal on Business of Supply 2026-05-05

76 words · 5 sentences · 5 clauses

Replying to Helena Konanz (Conservative). The question was off topic, so this reply is judged against the motion.

“Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the member’s comments, but what does he think about the forestry sector? Thousands of jobs have been lost and businesses are closing. What is the status of the negotiations for the forestry sector?”

Statement grade

76 / 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 76%Promise 24%

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

Mr. Speaker, Claims · 53 wordsit is true that the forestry sector, whether in Quebec, New Brunswick, Ontario or British Columbia, is suffering a great deal. As we certainly know, the problems in the forestry sector are a little different from those in the manufacturing sector.Unearned certainty This trade dispute has been going on for a very long time.¹Partly on point Promise · 18 wordsNevertheless, we remain fully committed to reaching a negotiated agreement with the United States, specifically on forestry products.Vague promise Claims · 5 wordsThe negotiations are moving forward.

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 · 61

3 of 5 deductions are Relevance

The question was off topic, so this reply is judged against the motion.

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 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 “it is true that the forestry sector, whether in Quebec, New Brunswick, Ontario or British Columbia, is suffering a great deal.”About hardship in the forestry sector, which the motion’s tariffs on steel, aluminium and copper do not cover.
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 certainly know, the problems in the forestry sector are a little different from those in the manufacturing sector.”It distinguishes forestry problems from the manufacturing concerns the motion addresses, without engaging the motion’s measures.
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 “This trade dispute has been going on for a very long time.”Background on a long-running dispute, not the new April 2026 tariffs the motion concerns.

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 · 46

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.

Something stated as certain with nothing to back it.What the tags mean “As we certainly know”Appeals to assumed shared knowledge instead of any source for the claim that follows.
A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “we remain fully committed to reaching a negotiated agreement”A commitment with no date, measure, or success condition for how the agreement will be reached.

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“This trade dispute has been going on for a very long time.”The Canada–U.S. softwood lumber trade dispute affecting the forestry sector has been going on for a very long time.search

Analysed on 2026-10-20