Analysis · Question Period answer · beta

Steven MacKinnon

Liberal on Rail Transportation 2026-06-10

95 words · 5 sentences · 7 clauses

Replying to Jean-Denis Garon (Bloc Québécois)

“Mr. Speaker, this proves that the debate on high‑speed rail is not over; in fact, it has only just begun. We had set out four conditions: social licence, an independent financial assessment, no infringement of people’s rights in the event of expropriation, and genuine consultations. They have scored zero out of four. It is no wonder that farmers are protesting. Alto is already on their land, carrying out tests, and when the landowners say no, Alto wants to send in drones. I am offering to drive the minister to Mirabel so that he can come and answer their questions. He can even choose what music we listen to in the car. When do we leave?”

Statement grade

B+

Average 80 / 100

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

Aside 16%Claims 71%Promise 14%

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

Mr. Speaker, Aside · 15 wordsI would like to reassure the member that we have freedom of movement in Canada.Aside Claims · 67 wordsI can get from my riding of Gatineau, in the Outaouais region, to his riding pretty quickly. I do not need him to introduce me to farmers. I have great respect for them, I listen to them carefully and I am fully considering their views while implementing this wonderful, major project, which will link the four largest cities in Quebec, ¹as well as Trois-Rivières, among other destinations. Promise · 13 wordsThis project will be carried out with the utmost respect for everyone’s views.Partly on pointVague promiseHidden agency

At a glance

Lost points for

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 79

1 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.

A remark off to the side of the point.What the tags mean “I would like to reassure the member that we have freedom of movement in Canada.”An aside: no claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 61

4 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.

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 have great respect for them, I listen to them carefully and I am fully considering their views while implementing this wonderful, major project,”About the minister’s regard for farmers, not the offer to travel to Mirabel.
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 “which will link the four largest cities in Quebec,”About the Alto project’s route, touching the exchange’s subject only in passing.
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 “as well as Trois-Rivières, among other destinations.”More detail on the project’s destinations, not the offer made.
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 “This project will be carried out with the utmost respect for everyone’s views.”A general assurance of respect for views, not a response to the offer or the conditions raised.

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 · 79

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 “will be carried out with the utmost respect for everyone’s views”A commitment to how the project will proceed that names no measure, date or success condition.
Wording that hides who did something, or who will.What the tags mean “will be carried out”A passive that leaves unstated who will carry out the project.

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“which will link the four largest cities in Quebec, ”The Alto high-speed rail project will link the four largest cities in Quebec, including Trois-Rivières.search

Analysed on 2026-10-20