Analysis · Question Period answer · beta

Robert Oliphant

Liberal on International Trade 2026-06-09

76 words · 5 sentences · 6 clauses

Replying to Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay (Independent)

“Mr. Speaker, Donald Trump is imposing tariffs on countries that are not doing enough to address forced labour in their imports. Although that is an excuse, the fact remains that Canada is like a sieve; it has hardly made any seizures at the border. Last fall, I introduced Bill C‑251, which would require importers to prove that products from certain regions are not made with forced labour or child labour. Now that the Prime Minister is finally saying he wants to do more to address forced labour, will he get my bill passed at all stages?”

Statement grade

B–

70 / 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 79%Promise 21%

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

Mr. Speaker, Claims · 60 wordsCanada has some of the most vigorous and rigorous forced labour laws in the world, and it has been clear that we condemn forced labour everywhere and anywhere it exists. Every good that comes into this country is subject to rigorous import controls and screening.¹ After a decade of neglect, we are rebuilding the CBSA to ensure we have enforcement. Promise · 16 wordsWe will continue to do that work.Partly on pointVague promise We will protect Canada’s interests this day and tomorrow.Off pointVague promise

At a glance

Lost points for
Didn't answerNone of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.
Echo ×3“Canada has some of the most rigorous forced labour laws in the world.” Said 3 times by 3 members.Every time it was said
Echo ×3“Every good that enters the country is subject to rigorous import controls and screening.” Said 3 times by 3 members.Every time it was said

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 100

0 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.

Nothing lost points.

Relevance · 40

6 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 “Canada has some of the most vigorous and rigorous forced labour laws in the world,”About Canada’s existing forced labour laws, not whether the member’s bill will be passed.
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 it has been clear that we condemn forced labour everywhere and anywhere it exists.”States condemnation of forced labour generally, without addressing the bill 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 “Every good that comes into this country is subject to rigorous import controls and screening.”About current import screening practices, not the bill or the action requested.
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 “After a decade of neglect, we are rebuilding the CBSA to ensure we have enforcement.”About rebuilding the CBSA, an existing measure, not passing the bill.
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 do that work.”Continues existing enforcement work, without answering whether the bill will proceed.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “We will protect Canada’s interests this day and tomorrow.”A general pledge to protect Canada’s interests, not the forced labour question raised.

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 · 74

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 “We will continue to do that work”A commitment to keep working with no named measure, date or success condition.
A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “We will protect Canada’s interests this day and tomorrow”A pledge with no actor-specific action, date or measure attached.

Echo · 2 repeated lines

Words members of Parliament keep repeating, found by the same rule for every member. No score depends on it.

“Canada has some of the most rigorous forced labour laws in the world.”Said 3 times by 3 members.Every time it was said
“Every good that enters the country is subject to rigorous import controls and screening.”Said 3 times by 3 members.Every time it was said

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“Every good that comes into this country is subject to rigorous import controls and screening”Every good imported into Canada is subject to rigorous import controls and screening by Canadian authorities.search

Analysed on 2026-10-20