Analysis · Question Period answer · beta

Dominic LeBlanc

Liberal on Intergovernmental Relations 2026-05-25

75 words · 5 sentences · 5 clauses

Replying to Rhéal Éloi Fortin (Bloc Québécois)

“Mr. Speaker, not only does the Clarity Act give the federal government some kind of veto over the wording of the question, as though people are too thick to understand the question, but this undemocratic law also calls into question the principle of majority rule in a democracy. The Liberals want clarity. That is fine, let us be clear then. First, the government that initiates a referendum determines the question. That government alone. Second, 50% plus one is a clear majority. Will Ottawa understand these basic democratic principles and repeal its undemocratic Clarity Act?”

Statement grade

C–

Average 55 / 100

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

Positioning 68%Promise 32%

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

Mr. Speaker, Positioning · 30 wordsperhaps my colleague was not entirely focused on the answers I gave his colleague earlier.Off point The federal government is absolutely focused on the issues that concern Quebeckers and all Canadians.PositioningVague promise Promise · 24 wordsWe are ready to work with our provincial counterparts to counter the U.S. tariff threat and support the industries specifically affected by these tariffs. Positioning · 21 wordsWe are here and we are doing the work.Partly on pointVague promise It is a shame that the Bloc Québécois is not showing up.PositioningOff point

At a glance

Lost points for
Didn't answerNone of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.
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 · 29

4 of 11 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 “perhaps my colleague was not entirely focused on the answers I gave his colleague earlier.”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 “The federal government is absolutely focused on the issues that concern Quebeckers and all 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 “We are here and we are doing the work.”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 “It is a shame that the Bloc Québécois is not showing up.”Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 29

5 of 11 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 “perhaps my colleague was not entirely focused on the answers I gave his colleague earlier.”An aside about the member’s attention, not an answer on 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 “The federal government is absolutely focused on the issues that concern Quebeckers and all Canadians.”About the government’s focus on Quebeckers’ concerns generally, not the asked repeal of 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 ready to work with our provincial counterparts to counter the U.S. tariff threat and support the industries specifically affected by these tariffs.”About working with provinces on U.S. tariffs, a different subject from the referendum law 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 here and we are doing the work.”A general statement of the government’s work, offering nothing on the Clarity Act.
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 showing up.”An attack on the Bloc’s conduct, not a response on the Clarity Act.

Respect · 100

0 of 11 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 · 63

2 of 11 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 “focused on the issues”The commitment names no measure, actor or success condition for the focus.
A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “we are doing the work”The claim of ongoing action names no specific work, date or measure.

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