Analysis · Debate reply · beta

Steven MacKinnon

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

144 words · 7 sentences · 8 clauses

Replying to Alexis Deschênes (Bloc Québécois)

“Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for his kind words about Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, which is an absolutely wonderful place. I would like to ask him another question. The action that the Quebec National Assembly took to reconcile these two principles, or in other words to guarantee equality of voting power and ensure that the ridings are not too big, led to an increased number of MNAs. The number of members of the Quebec National Assembly is going to increase from 125 to 127. Is my colleague prepared to consider that type of solution to ensure that federal ridings remain manageable in size so that citizens truly have access to their MP?”

Statement grade

B–

74 / 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 60%Claims 40%

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

Mr. Speaker, Reasoning · 19 wordsthat is a very important principle, particularly for those of us who like to be close to our constituents. Claims · 32 wordsIt is clear that the Supreme Court of Canada ruling that I mentioned allows for some variation in the populations of ridings, ¹as well as in terms of distances and riding size. Reasoning · 30 wordsHowever, in a democracy, we need to ensure that one vote carries roughly the same weight as another vote cast elsewhere. It is a matter of finding the right balance. Claims · 25 wordsI think the members of the Quebec National Assembly also recognize that they have merely identified a problem, not solved one. They reached a compromise. Reasoning · 38 wordsI do not have much to say about the action that the Quebec National Assembly is taking, other than to note that it is very important in a democracy for every vote to carry roughly the same weight.²Partly on point

At a glance

Lost points for
Didn't answerNone of this reply addressed the specific point raised or the topic under debate.

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 100

0 of 8 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.

Nothing lost points.

Relevance · 44

8 of 8 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 is a very important principle, particularly for those of us who like to be close to our constituents.”About the value of being close to constituents, not whether the proposed solution would be considered.
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 clear that the Supreme Court of Canada ruling that I mentioned allows for some variation in the populations of ridings,”About the Supreme Court ruling allowing population variation, not whether the proposed solution would be considered.
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 in terms of distances and riding size.”About variation in distances and riding size, not whether the proposed solution would be considered.
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 “However, in a democracy, we need to ensure that one vote carries roughly the same weight as another vote cast elsewhere.”About the general principle of equal vote weight, not whether the proposed solution would be considered.
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 a matter of finding the right balance.”About the need for balance in general, not whether the proposed solution would be considered.
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 the members of the Quebec National Assembly also recognize that they have merely identified a problem, not solved one.”On the subject of the question, but no answer to what was asked can be drawn from it.
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 reached a compromise.”On the subject of the question, but no answer to what was asked can be drawn from it.
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 do not have much to say about the action that the Quebec National Assembly is taking, other than to note that it is very important in a democracy for every vote to carry roughly the same weight.”It says he has little to say about the Quebec action rather than answering whether he would consider the solution.

Respect · 100

0 of 8 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 8 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 · 2

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“the Supreme Court of Canada ruling that I mentioned allows for some variation in the populations of ridings”A Supreme Court of Canada ruling allows for some variation in the populations of federal ridings.search
2“the action that the Quebec National Assembly is taking”The Quebec National Assembly is taking action to increase its number of members from 125 to 127.search

Analysed on 2026-10-20