Analysis · Question Period answer · beta

Mandy Gull-Masty

Liberal on Indigenous Affairs 2026-06-17

101 words · 4 sentences · 6 clauses

Replying to Leah Gazan (NDP)

“Mr. Speaker, the minister tabled Bill C‑37 yesterday, yet its definition of “First Nation lands” is limited to reserve lands under section 91(24) of the BNA Act. While the bill repeatedly references UNDRIP’s application, it appears restricted to reserves. Indigenous peoples have rights that extend beyond reserve boundaries into their traditional territories. Can the minister confirm that UNDRIP, including article 25, applies throughout indigenous peoples’ traditional territories and not just on reserve, yes or no?”

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.

Procedure 16%Claims 60%Promise 13%Positioning 11%

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

Mr. Speaker, Procedure · 16 wordsI am happy that my colleague has asked that question. It is one of great importance, ProcedureClaims · 61 wordsbecause we know that first nations have to do the work of expanding the minimum standards that are now applicable in their communities and setting the regulatory gaps for in communities and out of communities, working, negotiating and collaborating in partnership with provincial and territorial governments. For the first time ever, this government has been able to secure that in collaboration. Promise · 13 wordsWe will support them in community and out, in partnership, at all tables, Vague promisePositioning · 11 wordsbecause we want to honour the work we do with them.PositioningPartly 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 · 67

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.

Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business.What the tags mean “I am happy that my colleague has asked that question.”Procedure or throat-clearing: no claim, reason or ask.
Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business.What the tags mean “It is one of great importance,”Procedure or throat-clearing: no claim, reason or ask.
Praise, blame or attack with no claim, reason or ask in it.What the tags mean “because we want to honour the work we do with them.”Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 45

4 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 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 “because we know that first nations have to do the work of expanding the minimum standards that are now applicable in their communities and setting the regulatory gaps for in communities and out of communities, working, negotiating and collaborating in partnership with provincial and territorial governments.”It describes work on minimum standards and regulatory gaps with provinces, not whether UNDRIP applies off reserve.
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 “For the first time ever, this government has been able to secure that in collaboration.”It praises the government’s collaboration, not the question of UNDRIP’s territorial application.
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 support them in community and out, in partnership, at all tables,”It states support in and out of communities in partnership, without answering whether UNDRIP applies beyond reserves.
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 “because we want to honour the work we do with them.”It speaks of honouring the partnership work, not the yes-or-no question asked.

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 · 80

1 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.

A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “We will support them in community and out, in partnership, at all tables”The commitment names no measure, date or success condition for the support promised.

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