Analysis · Question Period answer · beta

Steven MacKinnon

Liberal on International Trade 2026-09-21

89 words · 8 sentences · 8 clauses

Replying to Michael Guglielmin (Conservative)

“Mr. Speaker, today we heard the minister keep talking about support packages. Oxford economists have been clear that they may soften the blow, but they will not solve the problem. Economist Trevor Tombe estimates that the government’s countertariffs could cost Canadian consumers $4 billion. Meanwhile, businesses in Vaughan—Woodbridge are facing increased costs to their inputs and being forced to consider relocating south of the border. We should out-compete the Americans, not out-tax them. Can the Prime Minister tell Canadians how much his countertariffs will cost them?”

Statement grade

C–

57 / 100, held down by Relevance

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

Positioning 48%Claims 22%Promise 29%

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

Positioning · 29 wordsI hope in this session of Parliament, Mr. Speaker, we will not see this pattern re-emerge. Let us call it the “blame Canada” pattern by the hissy fit brigade.PositioningOff point Claims · 20 wordsWe are in a trade war.³ We did not provoke this trade war.² This trade war is illegal and unjustified. Promise · 26 wordsCanada, a sovereign country, will stand up and take the trade and other measures that are required to protect our people, our industries and our workers.¹Vague promise Positioning · 14 wordsWe will never apologize for that.Partly on point The blame Canada brigade should sit right down.PositioningOff 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 · 46

4 of 13 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.

Praise, blame or attack with no claim, reason or ask in it.What the tags mean “I hope in this session of Parliament, Mr. Speaker, we will not see this pattern re-emerge.”Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.
Praise, blame or attack with no claim, reason or ask in it.What the tags mean “Let us call it the “blame Canada” pattern by the hissy fit brigade.”Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.
Praise, blame or attack with no claim, reason or ask in it.What the tags mean “We will never apologize for that.”Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.
Praise, blame or attack with no claim, reason or ask in it.What the tags mean “The blame Canada brigade should sit right down.”Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 27

8 of 13 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.

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 hope in this session of Parliament, Mr. Speaker, we will not see this pattern re-emerge.”A remark about a pattern in the House, not the cost of the countertariffs.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “Let us call it the “blame Canada” pattern by the hissy fit brigade.”A jab at the questioner’s side, not an answer on countertariff costs.
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 in a trade war.”States there is a trade war but does not speak to the cost asked about.
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 did not provoke this trade war.”Speaks to the origin of the trade war, not the cost of the countertariffs.
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 “This trade war is illegal and unjustified.”Characterizes the trade war but does not address the cost question.
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, a sovereign country, will stand up and take the trade and other measures that are required to protect our people, our industries and our workers.”Describes the government’s general response to the trade war, not what the countertariffs will cost consumers.
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 never apologize for that.”A general pledge about standing up for Canada, not the cost asked about.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “The blame Canada brigade should sit right down.”A retort to the questioner’s side, not about the countertariffs’ cost.

Respect · 100

0 of 13 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 · 65

1 of 13 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 “take the trade and other measures that are required”The commitment names no specific measure, date or success condition, only whatever turns out to be required.

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“Canada, a sovereign country”Canada is a sovereign country.search
2“We did not provoke this trade war”Canada did not cause the trade war.search
3“We are in a trade war”Canada is currently involved in a trade war.search

Analysed on 2026-10-20