Analysis · Debate reply · beta

Caroline Desrochers

Liberal on Adjournment Proceedings 2026-05-25

543 words · 27 sentences · 31 clauses

Replying to Warren Steinley (Conservative)

“Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure for me to take to my feet today to ask for a more substantive answer to a question I asked in question period about a month ago. I asked the Liberal finance minister if he should be held to his own words. I remember back in 2023 that minister had said he would have grocery prices under control by Thanksgiving 2023. Those are not the only comments we have heard about grocery prices over the last few years from the Liberal government members. We also heard the Prime Minister tell all Canadians that he should be judged by the prices they see at the grocery store. I think it is fair to hold people accountable to their own words. Even my kids know they are responsible for the words that come out of their mouths. I would expect the same from these Liberals when they say something. I would also ask about the fact that this Prime Minister was elected on a promise to Canadians that he would have a trade deal done with Donald Trump in the United States by July 1, 2025. That has long since passed, so I would ask the Canadian public to hold the Liberals accountable to the words they have actually spoken and the promises they have committed to. We have seen these Liberals cheerlead and pat themselves on the back because they are giving out tariff relief. If they had kept their word and gotten a trade deal with the U.S.A. and handled Donald Trump, as the Prime Minister said on the campaign trail, they would not have to be handing out tariff relief to companies. They would be able to make their own money, trade, do what they do best and make great Canadian products and sell them from coast to coast, to our neighbours to the south and around the world. I would like an answer on why the Liberals keep cheering for themselves when they have failed at every measurable thing they have committed to. They committed to lowering grocery prices. They failed. They committed to getting a trade deal done with the United States. They failed. They committed to child care. I know there is going to be an answer on this from whoever is going to answer over there that they do have child care, but, right now, the child care program has failed miserably. They promised 250,000 new spaces by the end of March. They are at 155,000 spaces, which is 62% of what they promised. Once again, the promise was made, but the promise was not kept by these Liberals. It is really a lie of the left. They commit to things, but they never follow through. We see the Desjardins report, which says, “the share of respondents mentioning the lack of available childcare spaces or long waitlists rose sharply over this period, from 1 in 15 [in 2019] to...1 in 5 [now].” It is harder and harder for parents to find child care spaces because the private ones could not compete. We saw this in the GTA also. Before the child care program, child care spaces were rising from 5% to 7% a year. Now, during some years, we have seen decreases in child care spaces. It is an abject failure of a program that we had questions about from the start, and parents are being burdened by the failures of the government. Whether it be child care spaces or food prices, it is a fail. Trade deals with the U.S.A. are a fail. Is there anything the government has succeeded at? Can it show us any segment of the Canadian population that is better off now than before the Liberals’ last 10 terrible years of government?”

Statement grade

64 / 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 77%Positioning 9%Reasoning 13%

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

Mr. Speaker, Claims · 14 wordsthe member keeps talking about getting a deal, any deal, with the American administration, Positioning · 10 wordsbut I do not think this is what Canadians want.Positioning Reasoning · 21 wordsAt a time when Canadians are facing heightened affordability pressures from sources beyond our control, it is more important than ever— Partly on pointAn hon. member: Oh, oh! Caroline Desrochers: Claims · 13 wordsMr. Speaker, the member is saying it is not true. Yes, it is. Reasoning · 24 wordsIt is more important than ever that we find opportunities for improvement that are within our control.Vague promise We need to control what we can. Claims · 182 wordsWe know that Canadians are feeling the pressure of everyday expenses right now, especially when it comes to the cost of fuel. Canadians and consumers around the world are facing higher prices at the pumps, creating uncertainty and pressure on household finances. This is stemming directly from the events that are unfolding in the Middle East right now. This is why, on April 14, the Prime Minister announced a temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax on gasoline, diesel and aviation fuels across Canada.¹ The suspension started on April 20 and will remain in effect until Labour Day.² We are expecting that this will reduce Canadians’ bill at the pumps by up to 10¢ per litre on gasoline and up to four cents per litre on diesel.³ This is adding to the 18¢ reduction from the carbon tax that we removed when we came into power last year.⁴ This is also in addition to the other measures we have put in place to support Canadians. We introduced the Canada groceries and essentials benefit to make everyday essentials like groceries more affordable.⁵ Positioning · 10 wordsI know my colleagues across the aisle will mock this, PositioningClaims · 67 wordsbut this measure builds on the GST credit and will provide additional support for more than 12 million Canadians.⁶ This is going to start with a one-time top-up next week, on June 5.⁷ Combined with a 25% increase in the benefit for five years as of July, a family of four will receive up to $1,890 this year, ⁸and a single person up to $950 in 2026.⁹ Positioning · 31 wordsThis is money in the pockets of Canadians. This is money that can help families make ends meet at the end of the month. This is money that can provide relief.Positioning Reasoning · 21 wordsWe also know that a big part of taking things into our own hands is making life more affordable for Canadians. Claims · 124 wordsThat is why Bill C-30 is proposing to extend the grace period during which homeowners are not required to start repaying their homebuyers’ plan withdrawals from the RRSP from two years to five years.¹⁰ The homebuyers’ plan helps eligible homebuyers save for a down payment by allowing them to withdraw up to $60,000 from an RRSP to purchase or build their first home, something the Conservatives voted against, ¹¹or a home for a specified disabled person, without having to pay tax on the withdrawal. This extended grace period already applies to withdrawals made between 2022 and 2025 and provides relief of up to $4,000 per individual per year for three years, over which they are not required to repay the amount into their RRSP.¹² Reasoning · 7 wordsEveryone deserves a roof over their head. Claims · 19 wordsThat is why our government is taking action and putting housing and home ownership within reach of more Canadians.Partly on pointVague promise

At a glance

Lost points for
Didn't answerNone of this reply addressed the specific point raised or the topic under debate.
Echo ×29“We introduced the Canada groceries and essentials benefit.” Said 29 times by 19 members.Every time it was said
Echo ×12“This means that a family of four will receive up to $1,890 this year and about $1,400 a year for the next four years.” Said 12 times by 9 members.Every time it was said
Echo ×8“We introduced a temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax on gasoline.” Said 8 times by 7 members.Every time it was said
Echo ×5“Combined with a 25% increase in the benefit for five years as of July, a family of four will receive up to $1,890 this year, and a single person up to $950 in 2026.” Said 5 times by 5 members.Every time it was said
Echo ×4“This measure builds on the GST credit and will provide additional support for more than 12 million Canadians.” Said 4 times by 4 members.Every time it was said
Echo ×4“This extended grace period already applies to withdrawals made between 2022 and 2025 and provides relief of up to $4,000 per individual per year for three years, over which they are not required to repay the amount into their RRSP.” Said 4 times by 3 members.Every time it was said
Echo ×3“Creating uncertainty and pressure on household finances.” 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 · 79

5 of 38 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 “but I do not think this is what Canadians want.”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 “I know my colleagues across the aisle will mock this,”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 “This is money in the pockets 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 “This is money that can help families make ends meet at the end of the month.”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 “This is money that can provide relief.”Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 34

31 of 38 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 “the member keeps talking about getting a deal, any deal, with the American administration,”On the subject of the question, but no answer to what was asked can be drawn from 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 “but I do not think this is what Canadians want.”On the subject of the question, but no answer to what was asked can be drawn from 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 “At a time when Canadians are facing heightened affordability pressures from sources beyond our control, it is more important than ever—”About affordability pressures in general, not the specific promises the member raised.
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 “Mr. Speaker, the member is saying it is not true.”On the subject of the question, but no answer to what was asked can be drawn from 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 “Yes, it is.”On the subject of the question, but no answer to what was asked can be drawn from 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 “It is more important than ever that we find opportunities for improvement that are within our control.”A general statement about controlling what is within reach, not the promises raised.
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 need to control what we can.”A general statement about controlling what is within reach, not the promises raised.
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 know that Canadians are feeling the pressure of everyday expenses right now, especially when it comes to the cost of fuel.”About fuel costs, not the grocery prices, trade deal or child care the member raised.
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 “Canadians and consumers around the world are facing higher prices at the pumps, creating uncertainty and pressure on household finances.”About fuel prices and household pressure, not the specific promises raised.
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 stemming directly from the events that are unfolding in the Middle East right now.”About the Middle East as a cause of fuel prices, not the promises raised.
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 why, on April 14, the Prime Minister announced a temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax on gasoline, diesel and aviation fuels across Canada.”Announces the fuel tax suspension, a measure on fuel costs rather than the failures raised.
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 suspension started on April 20 and will remain in effect until Labour Day.”Details of the fuel tax suspension, a measure on fuel costs rather than the failures raised.
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 expecting that this will reduce Canadians’ bill at the pumps by up to 10¢ per litre on gasoline and up to four cents per litre on diesel.”Expected savings at the pumps, a fuel-cost measure rather than the failures raised.
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 adding to the 18¢ reduction from the carbon tax that we removed when we came into power last year.”About the carbon tax removal and fuel costs, not the specific promises raised.
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 also in addition to the other measures we have put in place to support Canadians.”On the subject of the question, but no answer to what was asked can be drawn from 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 “We introduced the Canada groceries and essentials benefit to make everyday essentials like groceries more affordable.”On the subject of the question, but no answer to what was asked can be drawn from 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 know my colleagues across the aisle will mock this,”On the subject of the question, but no answer to what was asked can be drawn from 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 “but this measure builds on the GST credit and will provide additional support for more than 12 million Canadians.”On the subject of the question, but no answer to what was asked can be drawn from 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 “This is going to start with a one-time top-up next week, on June 5.”On the subject of the question, but no answer to what was asked can be drawn from 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 “Combined with a 25% increase in the benefit for five years as of July, a family of four will receive up to $1,890 this year,”On the subject of the question, but no answer to what was asked can be drawn from 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 “and a single person up to $950 in 2026.”On the subject of the question, but no answer to what was asked can be drawn from 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 “This is money in the pockets of Canadians.”On the subject of the question, but no answer to what was asked can be drawn from 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 “This is money that can help families make ends meet at the end of the month.”On the subject of the question, but no answer to what was asked can be drawn from 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 “This is money that can provide relief.”On the subject of the question, but no answer to what was asked can be drawn from 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 “We also know that a big part of taking things into our own hands is making life more affordable for Canadians.”A general statement about affordability, not the specific promises raised.
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 why Bill C-30 is proposing to extend the grace period during which homeowners are not required to start repaying their homebuyers’ plan withdrawals from the RRSP from two years to five years.”About a housing measure in Bill C-30, not the grocery, trade or child care failures raised.
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 homebuyers’ plan helps eligible homebuyers save for a down payment by allowing them to withdraw up to $60,000 from an RRSP to purchase or build their first home, something the Conservatives voted against,”About the homebuyers’ plan and how members voted, not the promises raised.
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 “or a home for a specified disabled person, without having to pay tax on the withdrawal.”About the homebuyers’ plan’s terms, not the promises raised.
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 extended grace period already applies to withdrawals made between 2022 and 2025 and provides relief of up to $4,000 per individual per year for three years, over which they are not required to repay the amount into their RRSP.”About the homebuyers’ plan’s grace period, not the promises raised.
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 “Everyone deserves a roof over their head.”A general statement about housing, not the promises raised.
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 why our government is taking action and putting housing and home ownership within reach of more Canadians.”A general statement about housing affordability, not the promises raised.

Respect · 100

0 of 38 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 · 85

2 of 38 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 find opportunities for improvement”Commits to improving things with no named measure, date, or success condition.
A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “our government is taking action”Asserts action on housing without naming a specific measure, actor beyond government, or outcome.

Echo · 7 repeated lines

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

“We introduced the Canada groceries and essentials benefit.”Said 29 times by 19 members.Every time it was said
“This means that a family of four will receive up to $1,890 this year and about $1,400 a year for the next four years.”Said 12 times by 9 members.Every time it was said
“We introduced a temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax on gasoline.”Said 8 times by 7 members.Every time it was said
“Combined with a 25% increase in the benefit for five years as of July, a family of four will receive up to $1,890 this year, and a single person up to $950 in 2026.”Said 5 times by 5 members.Every time it was said
“This measure builds on the GST credit and will provide additional support for more than 12 million Canadians.”Said 4 times by 4 members.Every time it was said
“This extended grace period already applies to withdrawals made between 2022 and 2025 and provides relief of up to $4,000 per individual per year for three years, over which they are not required to repay the amount into their RRSP.”Said 4 times by 3 members.Every time it was said
“Creating uncertainty and pressure on household finances.”Said 3 times by 3 members.Every time it was said

Claims · 12

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“on April 14, the Prime Minister announced a temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax on gasoline, diesel and aviation fuels across Canada”On April 14, 2026, the Prime Minister announced a temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax on gasoline, diesel and aviation fuels across Canada.search
2“The suspension started on April 20 and will remain in effect until Labour Day”The suspension of the federal fuel excise tax started on April 20, 2026 and is set to remain in effect until Labour Day 2026.search
3“reduce Canadians’ bill at the pumps by up to 10¢ per litre on gasoline and up to four cents per litre on diesel”The fuel excise tax suspension is expected to reduce pump prices by up to 10 cents per litre on gasoline and up to 4 cents per litre on diesel.search
4“the 18¢ reduction from the carbon tax that we removed when we came into power last year”The carbon tax removal in 2025 reduced fuel prices by 18 cents per litre.search
5“We introduced the Canada groceries and essentials benefit”The government introduced the Canada groceries and essentials benefit.search
6“this measure builds on the GST credit and will provide additional support for more than 12 million Canadians”The Canada groceries and essentials benefit builds on the GST credit and will provide additional support to more than 12 million Canadians.search
7“This is going to start with a one-time top-up next week, on June 5”A one-time top-up payment under the Canada groceries and essentials benefit is scheduled for June 5, 2026.search
8“Combined with a 25% increase in the benefit for five years as of July, a family of four will receive up to $1,890 this year”With a 25% increase in the benefit for five years as of July 2026, a family of four will receive up to $1,890 this year under the Canada groceries and essentials benefit.search
9“and a single person up to $950 in 2026”A single person will receive up to $950 in 2026 under the Canada groceries and essentials benefit.search
10“Bill C-30 is proposing to extend the grace period during which homeowners are not required to start repaying their homebuyers’ plan withdrawals from the RRSP from two years to five years”Bill C-30 proposes to extend the grace period for repaying Home Buyers’ Plan RRSP withdrawals from two years to five years.search
11“allowing them to withdraw up to $60,000 from an RRSP to purchase or build their first home, something the Conservatives voted against”The Conservatives voted against the measure allowing homebuyers to withdraw up to $60,000 from an RRSP under the Home Buyers’ Plan.search
12“This extended grace period already applies to withdrawals made between 2022 and 2025 and provides relief of up to $4,000 per individual per year for three years”The extended Home Buyers’ Plan grace period already applies to withdrawals made between 2022 and 2025 and provides relief of up to $4,000 per individual per year for three years.search

Analysed on 2026-10-20