Analysis · Question Period answer · beta

Joanne Thompson

Liberal on Fisheries and Oceans 2026-06-11

49 words · 4 sentences · 5 clauses

Replying to Mel Arnold (Conservative)

“Mr. Speaker, again that was an answer that was not even close to the question. All parties acknowledge that the salmon allocation policy must be aligned with the Ahousaht decision. However, while all Canadians have the right to fish, the minister keeps the public’s lives and livelihood on hold, waiting for her to decide whether the public’s current priority allocation for chinook and coho, before non-indigenous commercial, will be retained. Will she confirm, today, that this priority will remain?”

Statement grade

C+

Average 66 / 100

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

Thanks 49%Claims 41%Promise 10%

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

Mr. Speaker, Thanks · 24 wordsI thank the member for the opportunity for me to once again say that I have met with stakeholders in B.C., across all perspectives.¹Thanks Claims · 20 wordsWe are working on the decision.Vague promise There is space for recreational fishing and commercial, and the need for indigenous harvesting. Promise · 5 wordsWe will balance the decision.Partly on pointVague promise

At a glance

Lost points for

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 48

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.

Thanks and tributes.What the tags mean “I thank the member for the opportunity for me to once again say that I have met with stakeholders in B.C., across all perspectives.”Thanks: no claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 60

3 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 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 “There is space for recreational fishing and commercial,”About space for recreational and commercial fishing, not the priority allocation 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 the need for indigenous harvesting.”About indigenous harvesting needs, not whether the public’s priority will remain.
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 balance the decision.”A promise of balance in a future decision, not an answer on retaining the priority.

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 · 54

2 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.

A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “We are working on the decision”No measure, date or condition is given for what working on the decision involves.
A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “We will balance the decision”The commitment names no actor’s actions, date, measure or success condition for what balancing means.

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“I have met with stakeholders in B.C., across all perspectives”The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans has met with stakeholders in British Columbia across all perspectives regarding the salmon allocation decision.search

Analysed on 2026-10-20