Analysis · Debate reply · beta

Steven MacKinnon

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

168 words · 11 sentences · 13 clauses

Replying to Harb Gill (Conservative)

“Mr. Speaker, after a decade of Liberal government scandals, foreign interference concerns and loss of public trust, the government wants Parliament to rush through the bill and change the rules governing federal elections. This process deprives Canadians of a fulsome debate. Why is the government focused on rewriting election laws instead of rebuilding the trust that Canadians have lost? They need trust brought back to democratic institutions. That is not what the Liberals are doing. They have spent years undermining that trust. Why do they not work on affordability, crime prevention and economic growth so Canadians can once again trust what their government is doing?”

Statement grade

Average 90 / 100

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

Claims 65%Aside 9%Thanks 20%Reasoning 7%

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

Mr. Speaker, Claims · 56 wordswe are working.Vague promise In fact, we are trying, in the face of Conservative obstruction, to pass a very sweeping set of criminal justice measures and affordability measures. The Conservatives are filibustering two of them right now, the spring economic statement bill and the lawful access bill, that we are very much hoping to accomplish for Canadians.¹ Aside · 15 wordsI do want to suggest that the member’s question might be a little off tone.AsideOff point Thanks · 33 wordsI have worked very closely with his colleague from St. Albert—Sturgeon River and parliamentarians from all sides of this House so that we can do just that: ensure trust in our democratic institutions.ThanksVague promise Claims · 53 wordsElections Canada is the pride of this country. It runs efficient and fair elections. No one ever questions its methods. It suggests many ways, after elections, that we can reform, tweak or change some of the rules. We do that together with all parties, and we agree on the rules of the game. Reasoning · 11 wordsThat is the very basis of achieving trust in our democracy.

At a glance

Lost points for

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 63

3 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.

A remark off to the side of the point.What the tags mean “I do want to suggest that the member’s question might be a little off tone.”An aside: no claim, reason or ask.
Thanks and tributes.What the tags mean “I have worked very closely with his colleague from St. Albert—Sturgeon River and parliamentarians from all sides of this House so that we can do just that:”Thanks: no claim, reason or ask.
Thanks and tributes.What the tags mean “ensure trust in our democratic institutions.”Thanks: no claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 100

1 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 point put to the member, and the motion under debate.

Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “I do want to suggest that the member’s question might be a little off tone.”A comment on the member’s tone, not the bill or the point put.

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 · 96

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”An ongoing commitment with no actor beyond ‘we’, no measure, and no stated result.
A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “ensure trust in our democratic institutions”Names an outcome but no concrete measure, date, or way of judging success.

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“The Conservatives are filibustering two of them right now, the spring economic statement bill and the lawful access bill”As of June 2026, the Conservatives were filibustering two government bills: the spring economic statement bill and the lawful access bill.search

Analysed on 2026-10-20