Analysis · Debate reply · beta

François-Philippe Champagne

Liberal on Business of Supply 2026-05-26

164 words · 7 sentences · 12 clauses

Replying to Xavier Barsalou-Duval (Bloc Québécois)

“Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the minister on his speech, in which he gave a fine demonstration of his ability to speak English. In his speech, he extolled the virtues of suspending 10¢ of the excise tax on gas, saying that this temporary suspension would help with affordability. Perhaps he forgot to mention to us that this measure will also increase the deficit. The Parliamentary Budget Officer told us who would benefit from this. It seems that the poorest 20% of people will save $59, whereas the wealthiest 20% will save $211. Could the minister explain his decision to favour the rich?”

Statement grade

75 / 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.

Aside 32%Claims 38%Reasoning 12%The ask 18%

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

Mr. Speaker, Aside · 52 wordsmy colleague’s question also gives me the opportunity to speak in the language of Molière, whom we all admire here in the House. The Bloc Québécois members may not have said it yet, but I look at them this morning and I can see it in their smiles and in their hearts.Aside Claims · 18 wordsI think they are going to vote for Bill C-30 because they know that Quebeckers need this help. Reasoning · 20 wordsI believe that, as members here in the House, we all need to support Canadians at a time like this. Claims · 44 wordsWhen my colleague goes to his riding, he is aware, just as I am, of the issues surrounding housing affordability, grocery prices, and gas prices. These are important issues, but it is important to note that Bill C-30 will bring this measure into effect.¹ The ask · 30 wordsI hope that my colleague will not only ask a question this morning, but also take meaningful action to support lowering costs and lend a helping hand to Canadian families.Partly on point

At a glance

Lost points for
Didn't answerNone of this reply addressed the specific point raised or the topic under debate.

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 60

3 of 14 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.

A remark off to the side of the point.What the tags mean “my colleague’s question also gives me the opportunity to speak in the language of Molière, whom we all admire here in the House.”An aside: no claim, reason or ask.
A remark off to the side of the point.What the tags mean “The Bloc Québécois members may not have said it yet,”An aside: no claim, reason or ask.
A remark off to the side of the point.What the tags mean “but I look at them this morning and I can see it in their smiles and in their hearts.”An aside: no claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 45

11 of 14 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 point put to the member, and the motion under debate.

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 Bloc Québécois members may not have said it yet,”About the Bloc’s presumed vote on Bill C-30, not the distributional effect he was asked to explain.
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 look at them this morning and I can see it in their smiles and in their hearts.”About reading the Bloc members’ smiles, not the question on who benefits from the tax cut.
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 think they are going to vote for Bill C-30 because they know that Quebeckers need this help.”About Bill C-30 and Quebeckers’ needs, not the excise tax suspension’s distribution he was 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 “I believe that,”Restates his belief about the Bloc’s vote on Bill C-30, not 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 “as members here in the House, we all need to support Canadians at a time like this.”A general call to support Canadians that does not address who benefits from the measure.
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 “When my colleague goes to his riding, he is aware, just as I am, of the issues surrounding housing affordability, grocery prices,”Lists affordability issues like housing and groceries without addressing the rich-versus-poor effect 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 “and gas prices.”Names gas prices among affordability issues but does not answer the distributional question.
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 “These are important issues,”A general remark that the issues are important, not an answer on who benefits.
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 it is important to note that Bill C-30 will bring this measure into effect.”Turns to Bill C-30’s measures, a different measure from the tax suspension he was asked to explain.
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 hope that my colleague will not only ask a question this morning,”Asks the member to take action rather than address the question about who benefits.
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 also take meaningful action to support lowering costs and lend a helping hand to Canadian families.”Calls on the member to support lowering costs generally, not the distributional effect of the tax cut.

Respect · 100

0 of 14 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 · 100

0 of 14 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.

Nothing lost points.

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“Bill C-30 will bring this measure into effect”In this May 2026 supply debate, Champagne said Bill C-30 will bring into effect the affordability measure under discussion (the fuel excise tax suspension).search

Analysed on 2026-10-20