Analysis · Question Period answer · beta

Steven MacKinnon

Liberal on Air Transportation 2026-05-28

69 words · 2 sentences · 4 clauses

Replying to Heather McPherson (NDP)

“Mr. Speaker, today, despite serious concerns raised by local communities, workers and public health experts about the future of Toronto’s waterfront, Ontario’s Conservative government forced through legislation to control and expand the Billy Bishop airport. Canada’s airports are critical public infrastructure built through public investment. There, and in airports across the country, the federal government has a responsibility to put public interest ahead of corporate profits. It should be stopping Doug Ford’s scheme. Why is it instead pushing its own sell-off plans for airports across this country?”

Statement grade

49 / 100, held down by Clarity

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

Promise 100%

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

Mr. Speaker, Promise · 69 wordswe will, of course, consider the views of all of the people in the GTA, indeed all Canadians, Vague promiseas we contemplate changes, if required, in the waterfront or at Billy Bishop airport. We will continue to listen to all of the heartfelt views of people who live along the harbour front, live in the GTA proper and deserve the best possible air service that can be provided to them.Partly on pointVague promise

At a glance

Lost points for
Didn't answerNone of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.
VagueMuch of this statement used imprecise wording, lacked details on timing or responsibility, or made broad claims without support.

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 100

0 of 6 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.

Nothing lost points.

Relevance · 46

4 of 6 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.

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 will, of course, consider the views of all of the people in the GTA, indeed all Canadians,”About considering views on the waterfront, not about why sell-off plans are being pushed.
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 we contemplate changes,”Speaks only of contemplating possible changes, without addressing the sell-off 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 “if required, in the waterfront or at Billy Bishop airport.”About possible changes at the airport, not the federal sell-off plans 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 will continue to listen to all of the heartfelt views of people who live along the harbour front, live in the GTA proper and deserve the best possible air service that can be provided to them.”About listening to residents and air service, not the reasons for the sell-off plans.

Respect · 100

0 of 6 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 · 19

2 of 6 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 will, of course, consider the views”A commitment to consider views names no action, measure or decision that could be checked.
A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “We will continue to listen”Continuing to listen is an open-ended commitment with no measure, date or success condition.

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