Analysis · Debate reply · beta

Emma Harrison

Liberal on Protecting Victims Act 2026-06-09

98 words · 5 sentences · 6 clauses

Replying to Rhonda Kirkland (Conservative)

“Mr. Speaker, I appreciated this speech and all the things the member said about violence against women. Woman to woman, I have to understand here a couple of things about the word “mandatory”. The Liberals are trying to allow judges to ignore mandatory sentences for aggravated sexual assault with a gun, where victims are primarily women; human trafficking, where victims are primarily women; and multiple firearms offences. As an educator, I have to look up the word “mandatory”, which says very clearly that it is required or commanded by a law, rule or authority. If judges are allowed to ignore so-called mandatory sentences, and this bill claims it is strengthening mandatory minimum sentences, can the member maybe describe for me what she thinks the word “mandatory” means?”

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.

Reasoning 65%Claims 8%Positioning 27%

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

Mr. Speaker, Reasoning · 29 wordsI think it is really important when we are talking about these bills to be very careful with the words we are using and what we are spreading online.Partly on point Claims · 8 wordsThis bill would reinstate 15 mandatory minimum sentences.¹ Reasoning · 35 wordsIt is really important too that the judges who are appointed to proceed over these crimes have the discretion. They are chosen for a reason; they are chosen because they are smart and they care.Partly on point Positioning · 26 wordsI think it is really important for the opposition to understand that the misinformation that you are spreading is not helpful to victims anywhere across Canada.PositioningOff point

At a glance

Lost points for

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 68

1 of 6 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 “I think it is really important for the opposition to understand that the misinformation that you are spreading is not helpful to victims anywhere across Canada.”Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 37

5 of 6 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 “I think it is really important when we are talking about these bills to be very careful with the words we are using and what we are spreading online.”Calls for care with words on the bill, but does not address the meaning of mandatory sentences 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 really important too that the judges who are appointed to proceed over these crimes have the discretion.”About judges needing discretion, not what the word mandatory means or the sentences the bill sets.
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 “They are chosen for a reason;”About how judges are chosen, not the question of mandatory sentences.
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 “they are chosen because they are smart and they care.”Praise of judges’ qualities, not the mandatory sentences 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 “I think it is really important for the opposition to understand that the misinformation that you are spreading is not helpful to victims anywhere across Canada.”An accusation against the opposition’s conduct in place of the meaning of mandatory sentences.

Respect · 100

0 of 6 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 · 100

0 of 6 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.

Nothing lost points.

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“reinstate 15 mandatory minimum sentences”Bill C-16, the Protecting Victims Act, would reinstate 15 mandatory minimum sentences.search

Analysed on 2026-10-20