Analysis · Question Period answer · beta

Heath MacDonald

Liberal on The Economy 2026-09-22

89 words · 7 sentences · 9 clauses

Replying to John Barlow (Conservative)

“Mr. Speaker, if they understand the problems, why are they not doing anything to solve them? It is all talk and no results for real Canadians, including farmers. Ian, a farmer in Newfoundland, told me that he is paying more than $2.40 a litre in diesel. He said that if it gets higher, we all starve. Kate said that her family farm in Saskatchewan will not be profitable if she has to spend another $91,000 just in fuel this harvest. Melanie, a farmer in Alberta, said that fuel prices this harvest are hurting. Why is the Prime Minister not taking up our Conservative plan and eliminating all taxes on gas and diesel so that farmers can afford to feed Canadians?”

Statement grade

A–

Average 88 / 100

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

Claims 62%Promise 38%

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

Mr. Speaker, Claims · 36 wordsthere are a number of geopolitical issues causing most of the fuel increases around the world, particularly in Canada. There is a war in the Middle East and one in Europe, and broader supply chain disruptions. Promise · 34 wordsWe are doing everything we can.Vague promise We are reducing the excise tax.¹ We are doing more with the groceries and essentials benefit.² We will continue to advance Canadian agriculture and agri-food and make investments.Vague promise Claims · 19 wordsI met with the Canadian Cattle Association this morning, ³and things are moving in the right direction for agriculture.Partly on point

At a glance

Lost points for

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 · 78

3 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 will continue to advance Canadian agriculture and agri-food and make investments.”About advancing agriculture generally, not the elimination of fuel taxes 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 “I met with the Canadian Cattle Association this morning,”About a meeting with a cattle association, not the fuel tax 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 “and things are moving in the right direction for agriculture.”A general claim that agriculture is improving, not the elimination of fuel taxes asked about.

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 · 74

2 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 “We are doing everything we can”No actor, measure, date or success condition is named for this commitment.
A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “We will continue to advance Canadian agriculture and agri-food and make investments”A commitment with no measure, date or way to tell if it succeeds.

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“We are reducing the excise tax”The government is reducing the excise tax on fuel.search
2“the groceries and essentials benefit”The government offers a groceries and essentials benefit.search
3“I met with the Canadian Cattle Association this morning”Heath MacDonald met with the Canadian Cattle Association on the morning of September 22, 2026.search

Analysed on 2026-10-20