Analysis · Question Period answer · beta

Steven MacKinnon

Liberal on National Defence 2026-05-07

88 words · 4 sentences · 5 clauses

Replying to Cathay Wagantall (Conservative)

“Mr. Speaker, under the Liberal government, our Canadian Forces’ morale has been attacked, traditions have been erased and attrition has become highly damaging to our capability to defend Canada. The Canadian Forces’ Snowbirds must continue to be the souls of our Canadian military. They exude Canadian pride and international reputation for expertise, precision and high standards that have given our allies confidence in us in the past. Will the Liberals do the right thing and save our souls, save our Snowbirds?”

Statement grade

Average 62 / 100

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

Promise 38%Positioning 62%

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

Mr. Speaker, Promise · 33 wordsthe minister has spoken very eloquently about our need to be the adults, to be responsible and keep our pilots safe, and that is exactly what we are going to continue to do.Vague promise Positioning · 55 wordsHowever, it is the temerity, the gall of the Conservatives to stand in this House, the 0.99% of GDP crew here, giving lectures.¹ We will take no lessons on defence spending, on defence investments, on investments in our veterans, on investments in our armed forces and equipping our men and women in uniform. Those Conservatives— PositioningOff pointSome hon. members: Oh, oh!

At a glance

Lost points for
Little substanceMuch of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 34

3 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 “However, it is the temerity, the gall of the Conservatives to stand in this House, the 0.99% of GDP crew here, giving lectures.”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 will take no lessons on defence spending, on defence investments, on investments in our veterans, on investments in our armed forces and equipping our men and women in uniform.”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 “Those Conservatives—”Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 34

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.

Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “However, it is the temerity, the gall of the Conservatives to stand in this House, the 0.99% of GDP crew here, giving lectures.”An attack on the Conservatives’ defence spending record instead of an answer on the Snowbirds.
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 will take no lessons on defence spending, on defence investments, on investments in our veterans, on investments in our armed forces and equipping our men and women in uniform.”A boast about the speaker’s side’s defence and veterans investments, not the Snowbirds decision.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “Those Conservatives—”A fragment continuing the attack on the Conservatives, not the Snowbirds question.

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 · 82

1 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 “what we are going to continue to do”It commits the speaker’s side to continuing without naming any action, measure or success condition.

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“the 0.99% of GDP crew”Defence spending under the previous Conservative government was 0.99% of GDP.search

Analysed on 2026-10-20