Analysis · Debate reply · beta

Steven MacKinnon

Liberal on Strong and Free Elections Act 2026-06-11

136 words · 7 sentences · 8 clauses

Replying to Alexis Deschênes (Bloc Québécois)

“Mr. Speaker, I am going to take advantage of the fact that the minister responsible for democratic institutions is here to get his perspective on something that happened in the National Assembly. Yesterday, they passed a bill to protect certain electoral districts. As we are well aware, each time a redistribution happens, we try to reconcile— Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the National Assembly of Quebec passed a law to protect certain ridings in my region, the Gaspé Peninsula, as well as one in Montreal. With every electoral redistribution exercise comes tension between, on the one hand, population growth and the need to ensure that each vote carries similar relative weight, and, on the other hand, the importance of ensuring that ridings do not become too large. The Quebec National Assembly chose to protect certain ridings. Similar situations exist at the federal level. My riding, Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine—Listuguj, now covers 23,000 square kilometres. That is larger than the area of Djibouti. Several of my colleagues have even larger ridings. What does my colleague think we can do to better balance these two requirements?”

Statement grade

B–

Average 71 / 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 26%Thanks 22%Reasoning 35%

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

Mr. Speaker, Aside · 22 wordsI want to repeat to the member for Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine—Listuguj that he too must be looking forward to returning to his riding.Aside Claims · 8 wordsHe does indeed represent a very large riding. Thanks · 23 wordsI admire all members, all elected officials, who drive long distances, often very late, and in all kinds of conditions, including winter conditions.Thanks Claims · 28 wordsIt is obviously very challenging to represent people who are spread across a vast area and who, in his case, are separated by the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Thanks · 7 wordsI really commend my colleague for that.Thanks Reasoning · 48 wordsThat said, in a democracy, we must do everything in our power to ensure that every vote carries equal weight, whether it is cast in Montreal or in Percé.Vague promise We always try to respect that fundamental principle, one that is actually recognized by the Supreme Court of Canada.¹Partly on point

At a glance

Lost points for

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 55

4 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 want to repeat to the member for Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine—Listuguj that he too must be looking forward to returning to his riding.”An aside: no claim, reason or ask.
Thanks and tributes.What the tags mean “I admire all members, all elected officials, who drive long distances, often very late,”Thanks: no claim, reason or ask.
Thanks and tributes.What the tags mean “and in all kinds of conditions, including winter conditions.”Thanks: no claim, reason or ask.
Thanks and tributes.What the tags mean “I really commend my colleague for that.”Thanks: no claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 67

2 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 point put to the member, and the motion 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 “That said, in a democracy, we must do everything in our power to ensure that every vote carries equal weight, whether it is cast in Montreal or in Percé.”States the equal-weight-of-votes principle behind redistribution generally, not anything in Bill C-25 or the motion before the House.
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 always try to respect that fundamental principle, one that is actually recognized by the Supreme Court of Canada.”Cites the Supreme Court on vote parity as general redistribution background, not the bill’s provisions or the allocation of debating time.

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 · 61

1 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 “we must do everything in our power”It commits to an effort with no actor, measure, date or success condition.

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“one that is actually recognized by the Supreme Court of Canada”The Supreme Court of Canada has recognized the principle that votes should carry equal weight in elections.search

Analysed on 2026-10-20