Analysis · Question Period answer · beta

Dominic LeBlanc

Liberal on Intergovernmental Relations 2026-05-25

84 words · 5 sentences · 5 clauses

Replying to Christine Normandin (Bloc Québécois)

“Mr. Speaker, Ottawa is currently reviewing the question that the Alberta government will put to its population in a referendum to see if it is appropriate, because Ottawa knows so much better than anyone else what kind of question should be asked. Ottawa knows what is clear and what is unclear to ordinary people. The federal government is so superior, so much better. Good thing the government is here to look after us and to explain things we are capable of understanding. Does the government realize that the Clarity Act is nothing but a demonstration of contempt for the populace and the provinces?”

Statement grade

C+

69 / 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 87%Positioning 13%

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

Mr. Speaker, Claims · 73 wordswhat the government understands very well is that, now more than ever, this is the time to work together to counter the U.S. tariff threat in an increasing complex world. That is precisely what the Prime Minister is doing with the Government of Alberta. We are working with Albertans.Vague promise We are working with all the provinces of Canada to prove that our federation is working well and that we all share Canadians’ concerns.Partly on pointVague promise Positioning · 11 wordsIt is a shame that the Bloc Québécois is not participating.PositioningOff point

At a glance

Lost points for
Didn't answerNone of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 83

1 of 8 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 “It is a shame that the Bloc Québécois is not participating.”Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 39

5 of 8 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.

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 “what the government understands very well is that, now more than ever, this is the time to work together to counter the U.S. tariff threat in an increasing complex world.”About working together on the U.S. tariff threat, not the Clarity Act or the contempt alleged.
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 precisely what the Prime Minister is doing with the Government of Alberta.”About the Prime Minister’s work with Alberta on trade, not the referendum question or the Clarity Act.
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 working with Albertans.”About cooperation with Albertans generally, not the Clarity Act or the referendum.
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 working with all the provinces of Canada to prove that our federation is working well and that we all share Canadians’ concerns.”About the federation working well and shared concerns, not whether the Clarity Act shows contempt.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “It is a shame that the Bloc Québécois is not participating.”A complaint about the Bloc Québécois’s participation, not the Clarity Act or the referendum.

Respect · 100

0 of 8 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 · 60

2 of 8 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 are working with Albertans”No measure, date or success condition is named for the stated cooperation.
A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “We are working with all the provinces of Canada”The commitment names no concrete step, date or measure to assess.

Claims · 0

This list shows the factual statements you can check for yourself: the words as said, and the claim restated to stand on its own.

No checkable claims.

Analysed on 2026-10-20