Analysis · Question Period answer · beta

Jennifer McKelvie

Liberal on Marine Transportation 2026-06-02

67 words · 4 sentences · 5 clauses

Replying to Gord Johns (NDP)

“Mr. Speaker, ferries are essential highways for coastal communities. Of course we support strong federal funding for ferry services in Atlantic Canada. However, BC Ferries receives only $1.63 per passenger in federal operational support, compared to about $291 per passenger in Atlantic Canada. Temporary relief measures and repayable loans for B.C. cannot replace fair, long-term federal operational support. When will the Liberal government finally modernize these outdated agreements and provide fair support for British Columbia and BC Ferries?”

Statement grade

Average 62 / 100

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

Thanks 15%Claims 21%Promise 49%Positioning 15%

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

Mr. Speaker, Thanks · 10 wordswe thank the member for his advocacy for British Columbia.Thanks Claims · 14 wordsI am aware that the letter he sent to the department has been received.¹ Promise · 26 wordsWe are looking forward to having conversations about how we can continue to invest in British Columbia and how we can continue to invest in Canada.Vague promise Positioning · 10 wordsWe were elected with a mandate to build Canada strong, PositioningPromise · 7 wordsand we will proceed with doing that.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 · 65

2 of 8 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.

Thanks and tributes.What the tags mean “we thank the member for his advocacy for British Columbia.”Thanks: no claim, reason or ask.
Praise, blame or attack with no claim, reason or ask in it.What the tags mean “We were elected with a mandate to build Canada strong,”Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 46

4 of 8 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 “I am aware that the letter he sent to the department has been received.”About the receipt of the member’s letter, not the support or agreements 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 looking forward to having conversations about how we can continue to invest in British Columbia and how we can continue to invest in Canada.”Speaks of future conversations about investing in B.C. without addressing the agreements or fair support 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 “We were elected with a mandate to build Canada strong,”About the government’s election mandate generally, not ferry funding or the agreements 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 “and we will proceed with doing that.”A general pledge to proceed with its mandate, not an answer on ferry support.

Respect · 100

0 of 8 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 · 39

2 of 8 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 “continue to invest in British Columbia”A commitment to invest with no measure, date, or amount named.
A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “we will proceed with doing that”A commitment to act with no concrete measure, actor beyond the vague ‘we’, 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“the letter he sent to the department has been received”Gord Johns sent a letter to the federal department regarding BC Ferries funding, and the department received it.search

Analysed on 2026-10-20