Analysis · Debate reply · beta

Blaine Calkins

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

168 words · 6 sentences · 10 clauses

Replying to Marie-Hélène Gaudreau (Bloc Québécois)

“Mr. Speaker, it has been a long time since we sat on the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs for a number of meetings. We were just starting the study, and I am pleased to have an outcome like this. My question for my colleague is quite simple. What is missing from this bill that would make it even better, although maybe not perfect?”

Statement grade

B+

Average 80 / 100

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

Thanks 31%Claims 39%Promise 26%Reasoning 4%

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

Mr. Speaker, Thanks · 52 wordsmy colleague is not on the procedure and House affairs committee anymore, ¹but we spent years there, particularly in the previous Parliament when foreign interference was front and centre and prevalent not only at the committee but also in the national spotlight, ²and I want to thank her for her work there.Thanks Claims · 65 wordsThe Bloc Québécois has some issues with the bill. The Conservatives have some issues. Some of those are the same, some of those are different, Partly on pointbut we broadly support the measures contained in the bill. We are disappointed that the government voted down certain important amendments that we put forward, like mandating better security at ballot boxes and closing third party advertising loopholes, for example.³ Promise · 44 wordsWe are going to continue to call on the government to strengthen the Canada Elections Act to make sure that we can have confidence and trust in the institutions of the Government of Canada, particularly in the institution that is responsible for delivering elections, Reasoning · 7 wordswhich are the foundation of our democracy.Partly on point

At a glance

Lost points for

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 61

3 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.

Thanks and tributes.What the tags mean “my colleague is not on the procedure and House affairs committee anymore,”Thanks: no claim, reason or ask.
Thanks and tributes.What the tags mean “but we spent years there, particularly in the previous Parliament when foreign interference was front and centre and prevalent not only at the committee but also in the national spotlight,”Thanks: no claim, reason or ask.
Thanks and tributes.What the tags mean “and I want to thank her for her work there.”Thanks: no claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 61

5 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 bill 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 “The Bloc Québécois has some issues with the bill.”Notes the Bloc has issues with the bill without saying what they are.
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 “The Conservatives have some issues.”States the Conservatives have issues with the bill without naming them.
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 “Some of those are the same, some of those are different,”Comment on whether the parties’ issues overlap, not what is missing from the bill.
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 going to continue to call on the government to strengthen the Canada Elections Act to make sure that we can have confidence and trust in the institutions of the Government of Canada, particularly in the institution that is responsible for delivering elections,”A general call to strengthen the elections act without identifying what is missing.
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 “which are the foundation of our democracy.”General remarks about the importance of election institutions, not what the bill lacks.

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 · 3

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“my colleague is not on the procedure and House affairs committee anymore”Blaine Calkins claims his colleague is no longer a member of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs.search
2“foreign interference was front and centre”Foreign interference was a prominent topic discussed at the committee during the previous Parliament.search
3“the government voted down certain important amendments that we put forward”The government voted down certain amendments proposed by the Conservatives, including measures related to ballot box security and third party advertising loopholes.search

Analysed on 2026-10-20