Analysis · Question Period answer · beta

Steven MacKinnon

Liberal on Public Safety 2026-05-29

79 words · 4 sentences · 5 clauses

Replying to Gabriel Hardy (Conservative)

“Mr. Speaker, in the vast majority of cases, the firearms used to commit crimes in Canada were never owned legally and were often smuggled across the border. In 2024, the accused in over 80% of firearm-related homicides did not even have a valid license. Most of the other homicides involved mental health issues. Instead of investing in mental health prevention, in border safety, or in fighting street-gang crime, the Liberals are going to spend close to $1 billion targeting law-abiding citizens. Why are the Liberals wasting taxpayer money on programs that do not work?”

Statement grade

C–

Average 58 / 100

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

Claims 32%The question 37%Positioning 32%

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

Mr. Speaker, Claims · 13 wordswe are taking action precisely to support honest people who obey firearm laws.Vague promise The question · 29 wordsThe real question is, why do the Conservatives constantly oppose every single measure we put forward to limit the presence of assault-style weapons on Canada’s streets, to limit crime?¹Unearned certainty Positioning · 22 wordsEvery time we make a move to crack down on people, to crack down on criminals, we get blow-back from the Conservatives.PositioningOff point Claims · 12 wordsOf course we want to support people who act within the law, Positioning · 3 wordsbut the Conservatives—PositioningOff point

At a glance

Lost points for
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 · 63

2 of 7 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.

Praise, blame or attack with no claim, reason or ask in it.What the tags mean “Every time we make a move to crack down on people, to crack down on criminals, we get blow-back from the Conservatives.”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 “but the Conservatives—”Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 29

3 of 7 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 “The real question is, why do the Conservatives constantly oppose every single measure we put forward to limit the presence of assault-style weapons on Canada’s streets, to limit crime?”A counter-question about Conservative opposition, not an answer to the waste-of-money question.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “Every time we make a move to crack down on people, to crack down on criminals, we get blow-back from the Conservatives.”About the Conservatives’ reaction, not whether the programs work or waste money.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “but the Conservatives—”A cut-off remark about the Conservatives, addressing nothing in the question.

Respect · 100

0 of 7 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 · 42

2 of 7 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 taking action”The commitment names no measure, actor or date, only action in the abstract.
Something stated as certain with nothing to back it.What the tags mean “The real question is”This formula asserts what the real question is in place of any source or backing.

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“constantly oppose every single measure we put forward to limit the presence of assault-style weapons”The Conservative Party has consistently opposed Liberal measures to limit the presence of assault-style weapons in Canada.search

Analysed on 2026-10-20