Analysis · Question Period answer · beta

David McGuinty

Liberal on National Defence 2026-06-11

60 words · 4 sentences · 5 clauses

Replying to Alexandre Boulerice (Independent)

“Mr. Speaker, we already knew that the cost of acquiring the F-35s had skyrocketed, going from $19 billion to $28 billion. However, we learned that, in addition to the 72 U.S. jets, the Liberals are thinking of buying another 72 fighter jets, the Gripen, for a potential fleet of 144 fighter jets. The questions are simple. First, is that true? Second, how much will it cost? Lastly, could this money be better invested to meet the needs of Canadians?”

Statement grade

Average 76 / 100

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

Claims 63%Procedure 7%Promise 30%

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

Mr. Speaker, Claims · 15 wordswe are acquiring a new fleet of fighter jets for the Royal Canadian Air Force.¹Partly on point Procedure · 4 wordsThe member knows that.Procedure Claims · 23 wordsWe are reviewing all procurement approaches so that they align with the interests of Canadians and the needs of the Canadian Armed Forces. Promise · 18 wordsWe are committed to acquiring what the air force needs, Vague promisewhile guaranteeing economic benefits for Canadians, including Quebeckers.Partly on pointVague promise

At a glance

Lost points for
Didn't answerNone of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 92

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.

Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business.What the tags mean “The member knows that.”Procedure or throat-clearing: no claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 47

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 “we are acquiring a new fleet of fighter jets for the Royal Canadian Air Force.”States the general fact that a new fleet is being acquired, without addressing whether the second purchase is true or its cost.
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 reviewing all procurement approaches so that they align with the interests of Canadians and the needs of the Canadian Armed Forces.”Speaks of a general procurement review, but gives no confirmation, cost figure, or view on alternative uses of the money.
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 committed to acquiring what the air force needs,”Offers a general commitment to the air force’s needs rather than answering what was asked about the specific purchase.
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 “while guaranteeing economic benefits for Canadians, including Quebeckers.”Addresses economic benefits broadly, not whether the purchase is planned, its cost, or better uses of the funds.

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 · 64

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 “committed to acquiring what the air force needs”The commitment names no specific acquisition, date, or success measure.
A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “guaranteeing economic benefits for Canadians”The pledge specifies no measure, actor, or condition for these benefits.

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“we are acquiring a new fleet of fighter jets for the Royal Canadian Air Force”The government is acquiring a new fleet of fighter jets for the Royal Canadian Air Force.search

Analysed on 2026-10-20