Analysis · Question Period answer · beta

Shafqat Ali

Liberal on Access to Information 2026-06-16

63 words · 4 sentences · 4 clauses

Replying to Stephanie Kusie (Conservative)

“Mr. Speaker, Canada’s independent Information Commissioner said she was disappointed with the Liberal changes to access to information. Disappointed is an understatement, considering that yesterday, the President of the Treasury Board could not even respond to the question, and last week, he could not even find the right page. Will he rescind the changes, yes or no?”

Statement grade

Average 76 / 100

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

Reasoning 19%Promise 38%Claims 43%

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

Mr. Speaker, Reasoning · 12 wordswe believe that transparency and accountability are fundamental to a strong democracy. Promise · 24 wordsAs the President of the Treasury Board, I am committed to ensuring that Canadians can access government information in a timely and effective manner.Vague promise Claims · 27 wordsWe have launched a consultation paper as part of the process to make the access to information system better.¹ My colleague’s comments were part of those consultations.Partly on point

At a glance

Lost points for
Didn't answerNone of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 100

0 of 5 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 5 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 “we believe that transparency and accountability are fundamental to a strong democracy.”A general statement about the value of transparency, not an answer to whether the changes will be rescinded.
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 the President of the Treasury Board, I am committed to ensuring that Canadians can access government information in a timely and effective manner.”A commitment to timely access to information, not a yes or no on rescinding the changes.
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 have launched a consultation paper as part of the process to make the access to information system better.”Names a consultation paper on the same issue, but not whether the changes will be rescinded.
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 “My colleague’s comments were part of those consultations.”Characterizes the member’s comments as consultation input rather than answering whether the changes will be rescinded.

Respect · 100

0 of 5 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 · 57

1 of 5 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 “committed to ensuring that Canadians can access government information in a timely and effective manner”The commitment names no measure, date or success condition for how access will be improved.

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“We have launched a consultation paper”The President of the Treasury Board has launched a consultation paper as part of the process to improve the access to information system.search

Analysed on 2026-10-20