Analysis · Question Period answer · beta

Mona Fortier

Liberal on International Trade 2026-06-12

62 words · 3 sentences · 4 clauses

Replying to Jacob Mantle (Conservative)

“Mr. Speaker, so far in 2026, the U.S. Customs authority has blocked 1,198 shipments worth about $75 million on concerns with forced labour. I know this because the U.S. authorities make their data publicly available. I checked it this morning. In contrast, the Liberal government does not. When I asked for this information at the Standing Committee on International Trade, I received a written response that said the government is “unable to provide the requested information”. If the U.S. authorities can make their data publicly available to see, why can the Liberal government not?”

Statement grade

B–

Average 73 / 100

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

Claims 50%Promise 50%

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

Mr. Speaker, Claims · 31 wordslet me be clear, Canada and the United States share the goal of keeping goods produced through forced labour out of our supply chains. Canada already has strong protections in place, Promise · 31 wordsand we will take further action to strengthen them through new legislation.Vague promise We will continue to work closely with our partners to uphold high labour standards and ensure fair rules-based trade.Partly on pointVague promise

At a glance

Lost points for
Didn't answerNone of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.
VagueMuch of this statement used imprecise wording, lacked details on timing or responsibility, or made broad claims without support.

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 100

0 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.

Nothing lost points.

Relevance · 46

4 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 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 “let me be clear, Canada and the United States share the goal of keeping goods produced through forced labour out of our supply chains.”States a shared goal on forced labour, but does not address why the data is not published.
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 “Canada already has strong protections in place,”Describes existing protections, not the release of the requested data.
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 “and we will take further action to strengthen them through new legislation.”Speaks to future legislation, not the question of publishing the data.
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 will continue to work closely with our partners to uphold high labour standards and ensure fair rules-based trade.”Talks about working with partners on labour standards, not the data publication asked about.

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 · 46

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 will take further action to strengthen them”The commitment names no date, content, or success condition beyond calling it further action.
A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “We will continue to work closely with our partners”Continuing to work closely is a commitment with no actor beyond ‘we’, no measure, and no checkable outcome.

Claims · 0

This list shows the factual statements you can check for yourself: the words as said, and the claim restated to stand on its own.

No checkable claims.

Analysed on 2026-10-20