Analysis · Debate reply · beta

Karim Bardeesy

Liberal on Adjournment Proceedings 2026-05-05

562 words · 22 sentences · 35 clauses

Replying to Pat Kelly (Conservative)

“Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to rise on adjournment business to seek a little more accountability from the government for its response to a question that I asked in question period a couple of weeks ago. I questioned the government about the deficit, which had not yet been tabled. I simply asked whether or not the government could give assurance to the House that it would not be higher than the projected deficit that Justin Trudeau submitted in the last financial update that was tabled in the House when he was prime minister. Some will recall the chaos around that. The finance minister resigned two days or so before it was to be tabled. For those of us who were here then, we did not even know if there was going to be a budget that day. It was chaotic. There were boxes. Nobody knew if we were even going to get a briefing in a lock-up over it. It was delayed. There was no speech. When we did receive the budget, there was no signature and no name. It was like an anonymous budget just dropped by a random Liberal minister who was called upon to do it. The finance minister resigned over that budget or had resigned already. The former prime minister resigned not long after that. The issue then was the deficit. The deficit was so big then that nobody was willing to take responsibility for it. The Liberals’ own cabinet and caucus decided enough is enough and it was time to bring in somebody who could actually balance the budget or at least control spending and restore fiscal sanity. However, as it turned out, it actually got worse. The first budget the government tabled was more than twice the last budget, which was so bad it resulted in resignations. In response to that, this is what the member said. He would not give assurance that there would not be more than $30 billion in deficit. It turned out to be $67 billion. However, he said, “We are building big, we are building bold and we are building across this country.” What are Liberals even talking about? What are they building? They are not building anything. They talk about the need for energy infrastructure. They talk about the need for all kinds of infrastructure. They have been campaigning and talking about this since 2015 without doing anything. Here we are, over a year after the Prime Minister said they were going to build major projects at unimaginable speeds. The government gave itself extraordinary new powers to approve new major projects. None have been approved. None are being built. The Liberals are not building big across the country. They are just talking about it. Each time, it is as if they are having an out-of-body experience when they say, “Oh, if only we had a pipeline, we could be an energy superpower.” They had one on the table that was approved. The very first thing they did in 2015 was cancel the northern gateway pipeline. Then they chased out the proponent of the energy east pipeline. Then they chased out the private sector builder of the Trans Mountain pipeline. The government has no track record on building anything, and the budget that it brought in is twice as bad as Trudeau’s final budget, the one that triggered his resignation.”

Statement grade

B–

71 / 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.

Positioning 12%Claims 69%Reasoning 17%Promise 2%

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

Mr. Speaker, Positioning · 56 wordsI want to remind the House that our government’s focus remains clear and disciplined. We are controlling what we can control, which means maintaining fiscal sustainability while making targeted, high-impact investments for Canadians; maintaining our fiscal anchors; and ensuring that every dollar spent on behalf of Canadians supports growth, resilience and improving the well-being of Canadians.Positioning Claims · 178 wordsThat is the direction we need right now, and it is in the context of global changes we are witnessing, which are sudden and, I would say, unprecedented. Global economies are more than a year into a profound rupture, characterized by the trade decisions made by the U.S. administration. Economic security, industrial policy and geopolitical competition are increasingly shaping investment, trade and financial decisions. Of course, the recent conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted key shipping routes and damaged energy infrastructure, has pushed energy prices higher, underscoring the fragility of global supply chains and adding to already elevated uncertainty.Partly on point Despite this environment, the government is delivering an $11.5‑billion improvement in the projected 2025-26 budgetary balance.¹ This strength carries into future years, improving the budgetary balance relative to last year’s budget by an average of $10.7 billion per year from 2026-27 to 2029-30 before new measures.² I will note that, in addition, our deficit-to-GDP ratio, one of the key fiscal anchors, is well below the G7 average, ³as shown on page 12 of the spring economic update.⁴ Reasoning · 32 wordsFortunately, this fiscal room allows the government to improve affordability and raise Canadians’ standard of living through targeted and responsible policy measures, particularly in the areas of fuel, food and housing affordability. Claims · 114 wordsThis is a move that started in budget 2025 and indeed, before then, with some income tax cuts for which we were happy to get the support of the other side.⁵ It marked a strategic shift in the government’s management of public finances, focusing on expanding federal capital spending to mobilize investments while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Our budget 2025, as members know, set out a clear plan to build the strongest economy in the G7. We are moving toward that with very strong growth rates projected in relation to other G7 countries, and again, the strongest fiscal position in the G7, in particular with a debt-to-GDP ratio well below that of our G7 peers. Reasoning · 26 wordsOur plan remains rooted in fiscal responsibility, not for its own sake, but to create the capacity to invest our long-term economic strength and greater self-reliance.Partly on point Claims · 97 wordsI want to mention again that there are two fiscal anchors, which are balancing operating spending with revenues by 2028-29 and maintaining a declining deficit-to-GDP ratio, both of which we are obtaining.⁶ We also remain committed to the disciplined implementation of budget 2025 efficiency measures, including the comprehensive expenditure review, which, together with other measures in budget 2025, total $60 billion in savings and revenues over 5 years.⁷ We are now in the implementation phase. The focus is turning toward targeted, ongoing reviews, beginning with efforts to rein in spending on external management and other consulting services. Positioning · 11 wordsThese are not easy decisions; they are challenging but necessary actions.Positioning Promise · 13 wordsWe will continue to support our objective of spending less to invest more.Vague promise Reasoning · 35 wordsIn these serious times, with these serious geopolitical headwinds, it is important to make targeted investments, control what we can control, maintain our fiscal anchors and attend to the affordability and economic needs of Canadians.Partly on point

At a glance

Lost points for
Echo ×14“Canada has the strongest fiscal position in the G7.” Said 14 times by 7 members.Every time it was said
Echo ×6“Beginning with efforts to rein in spending on external management and other consulting services.” Said 6 times by 5 members.Every time it was said
Echo ×5“Balancing operating spending with revenues by 2028-29 and maintaining a declining deficit-to-GDP ratio.” Said 5 times by 4 members.Every time it was said
Echo ×4“Budget 2025 set out a clear plan to build the strongest economy in the G7.” Said 4 times by 4 members.Every time it was said
Echo ×4“The conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted key shipping routes and damaged energy security, has pushed energy prices higher, underscoring the fragility of global supply chains and adding to already elevated uncertainty.” Said 4 times by 4 members.Every time it was said
Echo ×4“To create capacity and invest in long-term economic strength and greater self-reliance.” Said 4 times by 4 members.Every time it was said
Echo ×4“Budget 2025 marked a tactical shift in the government's management of public finances.” Said 4 times by 3 members.Every time it was said
Echo ×3“This fiscal room allows the government to improve affordability and raise Canadians' standard of living through targeted and responsible policy measures.” Said 3 times by 3 members.Every time it was said

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 75

7 of 37 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 “I want to remind the House that our government’s focus remains clear and disciplined.”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 controlling what we can control,”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 “which means maintaining fiscal sustainability while making targeted, high-impact investments for 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 “maintaining our fiscal anchors;”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 ensuring that every dollar spent on behalf of Canadians supports growth, resilience and improving the well-being of 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 “These are not easy decisions;”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 are challenging but necessary actions.”Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 41

29 of 37 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 “I want to remind the House that our government’s focus remains clear and disciplined.”A general statement of the government’s focus, not an answer on the deficit level 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 “We are controlling what we can control,”A general pledge of fiscal control, not the assurance or figure sought.
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 “which means maintaining fiscal sustainability while making targeted, high-impact investments for Canadians;”About balancing investment with fiscal sustainability in general, not the projected deficit.
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 “maintaining our fiscal anchors;”Mentions fiscal anchors in general without addressing the deficit projection 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 “and ensuring that every dollar spent on behalf of Canadians supports growth, resilience and improving the well-being of Canadians.”A general statement about how dollars are spent, not the deficit 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 “That is the direction we need right now,”A general statement of direction, not an answer on the deficit.
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 it is in the context of global changes we are witnessing,”Context about global changes, not the deficit projection 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 “which are sudden and, I would say, unprecedented.”Comment on the character of global changes rather than the deficit.
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 “Global economies are more than a year into a profound rupture, characterized by the trade decisions made by the U.S. administration.”Background on the global trade rupture, not the assurance sought.
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 “Economic security, industrial policy and geopolitical competition are increasingly shaping investment, trade and financial decisions.”General remarks on global investment conditions, not the deficit projection.
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 “Of course, the recent conflict in the Middle East,”Context on the Middle East conflict, not the question of the deficit level.
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 “which has disrupted key shipping routes and damaged energy infrastructure, has pushed energy prices higher, underscoring the fragility of global supply chains and adding to already elevated uncertainty.”Background on energy prices and supply chains rather than the assurance sought.
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 “Fortunately, this fiscal room allows the government to improve affordability and raise Canadians’ standard of living through targeted and responsible policy measures, particularly in the areas of fuel, food and housing affordability.”Moves to affordability measures, not the assurance on the deficit level.
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 is a move that started in budget 2025 and indeed, before then, with some income tax cuts for which we were happy to get the support of the other side.”About past tax cuts, not the deficit projection 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 “It marked a strategic shift in the government’s management of public finances, focusing on expanding federal capital spending to mobilize investments while maintaining fiscal responsibility.”A general characterization of the government’s fiscal shift, not the answer sought.
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 budget 2025,”Introduces budget 2025 generally, not the specific deficit assurance.
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 members know, set out a clear plan to build the strongest economy in the G7.”About the goal of the strongest G7 economy, not the deficit level 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 moving toward that with very strong growth rates projected in relation to other G7 countries,”Growth projections compared to the G7, not the deficit projection.
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 again, the strongest fiscal position in the G7, in particular with a debt-to-GDP ratio well below that of our G7 peers.”Debt-to-GDP comparisons rather than the assurance on the deficit sought.
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 plan remains rooted in fiscal responsibility, not for its own sake,”A general statement of fiscal responsibility’s purpose, not the deficit figure.
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 “but to create the capacity to invest our long-term economic strength and greater self-reliance.”About the aims of fiscal capacity generally, 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 also remain committed to the disciplined implementation of budget 2025 efficiency measures, including the comprehensive expenditure review,”About efficiency measures generally, not the deficit projection 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 “which, together with other measures in budget 2025, total $60 billion in savings and revenues over 5 years.”Savings totals for budget 2025 measures, not the assurance on the projected deficit.
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 now in the implementation phase.”A note about implementation phase, not the deficit 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 “The focus is turning toward targeted, ongoing reviews, beginning with efforts to rein in spending on external management and other consulting services.”About reviews of consulting spending, not the assurance sought.
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 “These are not easy decisions;”A remark on the difficulty of decisions, not the deficit level.
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 “they are challenging but necessary actions.”A general comment on necessary actions, not the deficit projection.
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 will continue to support our objective of spending less to invest more.”A general spending objective, not the assurance 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 “In these serious times, with these serious geopolitical headwinds, it is important to make targeted investments, control what we can control, maintain our fiscal anchors and attend to the affordability and economic needs of Canadians.”A closing summary of the government’s general approach, not the assurance on the deficit.

Respect · 100

0 of 37 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 · 94

1 of 37 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 will continue to support our objective of spending less to invest more”The commitment names no actor beyond a general ‘we’, no measure, date or success condition for the objective.

Echo · 8 repeated lines

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

“Canada has the strongest fiscal position in the G7.”Said 14 times by 7 members.Every time it was said
“Beginning with efforts to rein in spending on external management and other consulting services.”Said 6 times by 5 members.Every time it was said
“Balancing operating spending with revenues by 2028-29 and maintaining a declining deficit-to-GDP ratio.”Said 5 times by 4 members.Every time it was said
“Budget 2025 set out a clear plan to build the strongest economy in the G7.”Said 4 times by 4 members.Every time it was said
“The conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted key shipping routes and damaged energy security, has pushed energy prices higher, underscoring the fragility of global supply chains and adding to already elevated uncertainty.”Said 4 times by 4 members.Every time it was said
“To create capacity and invest in long-term economic strength and greater self-reliance.”Said 4 times by 4 members.Every time it was said
“Budget 2025 marked a tactical shift in the government's management of public finances.”Said 4 times by 3 members.Every time it was said
“This fiscal room allows the government to improve affordability and raise Canadians' standard of living through targeted and responsible policy measures.”Said 3 times by 3 members.Every time it was said

Claims · 7

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“an $11.5‑billion improvement in the projected 2025-26 budgetary balance”The government projects an $11.5-billion improvement in the 2025-26 budgetary balance.search
2“improving the budgetary balance relative to last year’s budget by an average of $10.7 billion per year from 2026-27 to 2029-30”The government projects the budgetary balance improving by an average of $10.7 billion per year from 2026-27 to 2029-30 relative to the previous year’s budget.search
3“I will note that, in addition, our deficit-to-GDP ratio, one of the key fiscal anchors, is well below the G7 average, ”Canada’s deficit-to-GDP ratio is well below the G7 average.search
4“as shown on page 12 of the spring economic update”Page 12 of the government’s spring economic update shows Canada’s deficit-to-GDP ratio relative to G7 countries.search
5“some income tax cuts”The government introduced income tax cuts, beginning around budget 2025.search
6“balancing operating spending with revenues by 2028-29 and maintaining a declining deficit-to-GDP ratio”The government’s two fiscal anchors are balancing operating spending with revenues by 2028-29 and maintaining a declining deficit-to-GDP ratio.search
7“$60 billion in savings and revenues over 5 years”Budget 2025 efficiency measures, including the comprehensive expenditure review, total $60 billion in savings and revenues over five years.search

Analysed on 2026-10-20