Analysis · Debate reply · beta

Guillaume Deschênes-Thériault

Liberal on Budget 2025 Implementation Act, No. 2 2026-05-29

89 words · 7 sentences · 7 clauses

Replying to Claude DeBellefeuille (Bloc Québécois)

“Mr. Speaker, the speech by my colleague, whom I hold in high regard, has given us a glimpse into the beauty of his riding, and it has made me want to spend my summer holidays in that part of the country. I do not know if Tatamagouche is in his riding, but I had the pleasure of taking a short trip to that area. I know that his riding includes cities as well as rural areas, and I am guessing there are berry growers in his riding who produce spirits. My colleagues will hear me talking about this several times today because this ongoing injustice is close to my heart. Three years ago, Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government granted an excise duty exemption for mead-based berry spirits and also for apple cider, but not for berry-based spirits. I would like to know if my colleague is willing to pressure his government to add an amendment to Bill C-31 that would make things fair for other berry producers, such as those who make blueberry or maple liqueurs. This is an important issue in rural Quebec. There are many Liberal members from Quebec who know that what I am saying is important. Is my colleague ready to take up the cause in his own province and make it clear to the Minister of Finance that it is time to right this wrong?”

Statement grade

61 / 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 9%Claims 62%Thanks 15%Promise 15%

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

Mr. Speaker, Aside · 8 wordsmy esteemed colleague is welcome to visit Madawaska—Restigouche.Aside Claims · 55 wordsThere are indeed berry wine producers there.³Partly on point In fact, one of the wines served at the Parliamentary restaurant comes from my riding and is made from berries grown in my riding.¹Off point Over the past month, we announced, among other things, that we would be extending the cap on alcohol excise duties.² Various discussions are ongoing.Partly on point Thanks · 13 wordsI would like to thank my colleague for her commitment to this issue.Thanks Promise · 13 wordsIt would certainly be worthwhile for us to continue discussing this matter together.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.

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 72

2 of 9 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 esteemed colleague is welcome to visit Madawaska—Restigouche.”An aside: no claim, reason or ask.
Thanks and tributes.What the tags mean “I would like to thank my colleague for her commitment to this issue.”Thanks: no claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 31

6 of 9 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 bill 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 “my esteemed colleague is welcome to visit Madawaska—Restigouche.”A friendly reply about visiting the riding, not the exemption being sought.
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 “There are indeed berry wine producers there.”Confirms berry producers exist in the riding but does not address the requested amendment.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “In fact, one of the wines served at the Parliamentary restaurant comes from my riding and is made from berries grown in my riding.”About a wine served at the parliamentary restaurant, not the excise exemption.
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 “Over the past month, we announced, among other things, that we would be extending the cap on alcohol excise duties.”Notes an excise cap extension but does not answer whether he will push the amendment asked for.
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 “Various discussions are ongoing.”Says discussions are ongoing without addressing the request to raise the matter with the finance minister.
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 would certainly be worthwhile for us to continue discussing this matter together.”Proposes further discussion rather than answering whether he will press for the change.

Respect · 100

0 of 9 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 · 78

1 of 9 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 “for us to continue discussing this matter together”A commitment with no date, measure or success condition for what the discussions would achieve.

Claims · 3

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“one of the wines served at the Parliamentary restaurant comes from my riding and is made from berries grown in my riding.”One of the wines served at the Parliamentary restaurant originated from the speaker’s riding and was made from locally grown berries.search
2“we announced, among other things, that we would be extending the cap on alcohol excise duties.”The government announced the extension of the cap on alcohol excise duties within the past month.search
3“There are indeed berry wine producers there.”Berry wine producers exist in Madawaska—Restigouche.search

Analysed on 2026-10-20