Analysis · Question Period answer · beta

Dominic LeBlanc

Liberal on Intergovernmental Relations 2026-05-25

100 words · 6 sentences · 6 clauses

Replying to Christine Normandin (Bloc Québécois)

“Mr. Speaker, contempt is when one considers a person, group or thing inferior. It is a feeling of superiority. When the government of a province or Quebec asks its people a question, it is up to the Government of Quebec or that provincial government to decide on the question, and it is up to the people to answer it. Ottawa has no business getting involved. Ottawa is interfering simply because it believes itself to be superior to everyone. There are two options: Either Ottawa respects the democratic process that is under way, or it interferes and confirms its contempt for the people. What will it do?”

Statement grade

D+

54 / 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.

Procedure 11%Promise 40%Claims 49%

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

Mr. Speaker, Procedure · 11 wordsI have been clear about what we are going to do.Procedure Promise · 40 wordsWe will work with our friends in the federation, with the Government of Quebec, the Government of Alberta and the governments of all of the other provinces and territories to address the issues that matter to Canadians across the country.Vague promise Claims · 49 wordsOur focus is squarely on economic issues.Partly on point For example, I met with the provincial and territorial industry and trade ministers this morning.¹ Minister Drainville actively participated in the discussion on what we can do to counter the U.S. tariff threat.² That is the work that we are doing together.Off point

At a glance

Lost points for
Didn't answerNone of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.
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 · 85

1 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.

Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business.What the tags mean “I have been clear about what we are going to do.”Procedure or throat-clearing: no claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 24

5 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.

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 work with our friends in the federation, with the Government of Quebec, the Government of Alberta and the governments of all of the other provinces and territories to address the issues that matter to Canadians across the country.”About working with governments in the federation generally, not whether Ottawa will respect the referendum process.
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 focus is squarely on economic issues.”About the government’s economic focus, not the referendum 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 “For example, I met with the provincial and territorial industry and trade ministers this morning.”About a meeting of trade ministers, not the referendum 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 “Minister Drainville actively participated in the discussion on what we can do to counter the U.S. tariff threat.”About countering U.S. tariffs, not the referendum 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 “That is the work that we are doing together.”A summary of the economic work described, not the referendum question asked.

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 · 49

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 “We will work with our friends in the federation”The commitment names partners but no action, measure, date or way to judge success.

Claims · 2

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“I met with the provincial and territorial industry and trade ministers this morning”Dominic LeBlanc met with the provincial and territorial industry and trade ministers on the morning of May 25, 2026.search
2“Minister Drainville actively participated in the discussion on what we can do to counter the U.S. tariff threat”Quebec Minister Drainville actively participated in the May 25, 2026 discussion with the federal minister on countering the U.S. tariff threat.search

Analysed on 2026-10-20