Analysis · Question Period answer · beta

Steven MacKinnon

Liberal on The Economy 2026-06-02

103 words · 8 sentences · 10 clauses

Replying to Pierre Poilievre (Conservative)

“Mr. Speaker, the per capita GDP growth rate is about as high as the Prime Minister’s question period attendance rate. He should be answering questions about the fact that, under his leadership, Canada is the only G7 country to be in recession. Today, he said that investment in Canada has increased over the last two quarters. Let us look at the Statistics Canada report. In the first quarter of 2026, business capital investment fell by another 0.7%, marking a fifth consecutive decline. Why is the Prime Minister spreading misinformation?”

Statement grade

C+

67 / 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.

Claims 69%The question 31%

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

Mr. Speaker, Claims · 71 wordswe have a plan, Vague promisebut we are also facing headwinds. It is clear that with the tariff threats, wars in the Middle East and wars in Europe, Canada is facing headwinds, Unearned certaintybut we have a plan.Vague promise Our plan is working. We have a defence plan to spend money here.Partly on point We have a plan for industry and, indeed, businesses are purchasing more equipment and materials.¹ We have a plan for major projects.Partly on point The question · 32 wordsThe real question is why does the Leader of the Opposition seem so happy to gloat over the fact that Canada is facing headwinds?Motive imputed Why is he not presenting his own plan?Off point

At a glance

Lost points for
Personal attackThis statement targeted a person rather than their actions or views: “why does the Leader of the Opposition seem so happy to gloat”.

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 100

0 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.

Nothing lost points.

Relevance · 37

9 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.

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 have a plan,”It asserts the government has a plan without addressing the investment figures raised.
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 we are also facing headwinds.”It offers general context about headwinds, not the investment claim 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 “It is clear that with the tariff threats, wars in the Middle East and wars in Europe, Canada is facing headwinds,”It lists external pressures such as tariffs and wars, not the question about the investment figures.
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 we have a plan.”It repeats that the government has a plan without answering the charge.
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 “Our plan is working.”It affirms the plan is working but gives nothing on the investment decline cited.
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 have a defence plan to spend money here.”It describes a defence spending plan, not the investment 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 “We have a plan for major projects.”It names a major projects plan without addressing the figures asked about.
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 does the Leader of the Opposition seem so happy to gloat over the fact that Canada is facing headwinds?”It attacks the Leader of the Opposition for gloating instead of answering the 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 “Why is he not presenting his own plan?”It demands the opposition present its own plan rather than answer the question.

Respect · 70

1 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.

Claiming to know a person’s bad motives.What the tags mean “why does the Leader of the Opposition seem so happy to gloat”It attributes a state of mind, relishing the country’s difficulties, to a named individual rather than addressing his position.

Clarity · 64

3 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 have a plan”The commitment names no measure, actor, date or success condition.
Something stated as certain with nothing to back it.What the tags mean “It is clear that”The formula asserts certainty in place of a source for the claim about headwinds.
A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “we have a plan”The commitment repeats with no measure, actor, date or success condition.

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“businesses are purchasing more equipment and materials”Businesses in Canada are purchasing more equipment and materials.search

Analysed on 2026-10-20