Analysis · Question Period answer · beta

Dominic LeBlanc

Liberal on Intergovernmental Affairs 2026-05-27

100 words · 7 sentences · 9 clauses

Replying to Yves-François Blanchet (Bloc Québécois)

“Mr. Speaker, drawing on his deep understanding of Quebec, the Prime Minister, who said a few months ago that the Battle of the Plains of Abraham was just one big hug fest, very clearly told us yesterday that he thinks a majority of 50% plus one on sovereignty issues is unclear. In that case, I think we ought to start by overturning the 1995 referendum and starting all over. Evidently, this time he should have minded his own business. The Quebec National Assembly reminded him of that with a unanimous motion. There are about 170 Liberal members here, about 40 of whom are from Quebec. I want to know if the members—”

Statement grade

D+

Average 54 / 100

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

Procedure 32%Positioning 38%Claims 30%

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

Mr. Speaker, Procedure · 32 wordsperhaps I can help the leader of the Bloc Québécois. I think I know what question he was going to ask. The answer is the same as it was earlier this week.Procedure Positioning · 38 wordsI realize that the Bloc Québécois members are experts at picking fights, sowing division and creating controversy where none exists.Off point As my colleagues just said, we are fundamentally focused on issues that matter to Quebeckers and all Canadians.PositioningVague promise Claims · 30 wordsWe are trying to work with the Quebec government, Vague promiseas well as with businesses and workers in Quebec and across Canada. That remains our priority, and things are going well.Partly on 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 · 27

5 of 13 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 “perhaps I can help the leader of the Bloc Québécois.”Procedure or throat-clearing: no claim, reason or ask.
Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business.What the tags mean “I think I know what question he was going to ask.”Procedure or throat-clearing: no claim, reason or ask.
Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business.What the tags mean “The answer is the same as it was earlier this week.”Procedure or throat-clearing: no claim, reason or ask.
Praise, blame or attack with no claim, reason or ask in it.What the tags mean “I realize that the Bloc Québécois members are experts at picking fights, sowing division and creating controversy where none exists.”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 “As my colleagues just said, we are fundamentally focused on issues that matter to Quebeckers and all Canadians.”Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 33

6 of 13 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 realize that the Bloc Québécois members are experts at picking fights, sowing division and creating controversy where none exists.”Attacks the Bloc members’ conduct instead of addressing the 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 “As my colleagues just said, we are fundamentally focused on issues that matter to Quebeckers and all Canadians.”States the government’s focus on issues that matter to Quebeckers, not the referendum threshold 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 trying to work with the Quebec government,”About working with the Quebec government, not the question of referendum clarity.
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 well as with businesses and workers in Quebec and across Canada.”About working with businesses and workers, not the referendum 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 “That remains our priority,”States a general priority without addressing 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 “and things are going well.”A general assurance that things are going well, not an answer on the referendum threshold.

Respect · 100

0 of 13 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 · 56

2 of 13 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 are fundamentally focused on issues that matter”States a focus with no measure, date or named issue that could later be checked.
A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “We are trying to work with the Quebec government”Commits only to ‘trying’, with no concrete step, actor outcome or measure named.

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