Analysis · Question Period answer · beta

Joanne Thompson

Liberal on Fisheries and Oceans 2026-05-26

63 words · 3 sentences · 5 clauses

Replying to Clifford Small (Conservative)

“Mr. Speaker, Brett Cox, a fisherman from English Harbour West, reached out to me yesterday and said, “We need the tariff gone on sea cucumber or that fishery is done.” He is referring to the 25% Chinese tariff, which still applies to all Canadian seafood except lobster and crab products. China is the second largest market for our seafood. If the Liberal Prime Minister’s new relationship with China is beneficial to Canada, why are these crippling tariffs still in place?”

Statement grade

62 / 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 44%Claims 37%The question 19%

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

Mr. Speaker, Aside · 28 wordsI have not heard from this member since the day he called the school food program garbage, ¹so it is nice to see him stand in the House.AsideOff point Claims · 23 wordsMy counterparts and I continue to work to remove tariffs, Vague promisebut the spring economic update has nearly $1 billion for small craft harbours.²Partly on point The question · 12 wordsI want to ask the member, will he vote to support this?Off 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 · 51

2 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.

A remark off to the side of the point.What the tags mean “I have not heard from this member since the day he called the school food program garbage,”An aside: no claim, reason or ask.
A remark off to the side of the point.What the tags mean “so it is nice to see him stand in the House.”An aside: no claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 32

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.

Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “I have not heard from this member since the day he called the school food program garbage,”About the member’s past remark, not the tariffs on seafood.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “so it is nice to see him stand in the House.”A personal aside to the member, not about the tariffs 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 “My counterparts and I continue to work to remove tariffs,”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 the spring economic update has nearly $1 billion for small craft harbours.”About small craft harbour funding, not the tariffs or the new relationship with China.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “I want to ask the member, will he vote to support this?”A demand that the member vote on the economic update, not an answer about the tariffs.

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 · 69

1 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 “continue to work to remove tariffs”A commitment with no measure, date or success condition for removing the tariffs.

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“called the school food program garbage”Clifford Small, the Conservative member for Newfoundland and Labrador, said in the House that the school food program was garbage.search
2“nearly $1 billion for small craft harbours”Canada’s spring 2026 economic update includes nearly $1 billion for small craft harbours.search

Analysed on 2026-10-20