Analysis · Question Period answer · beta

François-Philippe Champagne

Liberal on Intergovernmental Affairs 2026-09-23

84 words · 7 sentences · 7 clauses

Replying to Jean-Denis Garon (Bloc Québécois)

“Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is completely cutting Quebec out of decisions that affect it. It happened with Bill C-39, and it happened again this morning with the tax cut for businesses. Christine Fréchette says that she was never consulted about this tax cut that will blow a $1-billion hole in Quebec’s public finances every year. In the middle of an election, all the parties are finding out that they will have to prepare a budget on October 6 with $1 billion less to work with. The Prime Minister’s stubborn insistence on flying solo is plainly detrimental to the governance of Quebec. Is he going to keep on behaving as though the Government of Quebec does not exist?”

Statement grade

C–

58 / 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 36%Claims 45%Procedure 7%Reasoning 12%

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

Mr. Speaker, Positioning · 10 wordsthat is the paradox facing the Bloc Québécois in Ottawa.PositioningOff point Claims · 12 wordsOur announcement comes as a breath of fresh air for Quebec businesses.Partly on point Procedure · 6 wordsWe know the reality facing Quebeckers.ProcedureUnearned certainty Reasoning · 10 wordsWe know that SMEs are the backbone of our economy. Claims · 26 wordsThis measure is going to make our SMEs more productive and competitive both nationally and internationally. The Premier of Quebec said it was good for Quebec.¹Partly on point Positioning · 20 wordsWhile Bloc Québécois members keep arguing, we are going to keep building a strong Canada with strong businesses in Quebec.PositioningOff pointVague promise

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 · 52

3 of 11 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 “that is the paradox facing the Bloc Québécois in Ottawa.”Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.
Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business.What the tags mean “We know the reality facing Quebeckers.”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 “While Bloc Québécois members keep arguing, we are going to keep building a strong Canada with strong businesses in Quebec.”Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 28

6 of 11 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 “that is the paradox facing the Bloc Québécois in Ottawa.”A jab at the Bloc Québécois rather than an answer on consultation with Quebec.
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 “Our announcement comes as a breath of fresh air for Quebec businesses.”About the tax cut’s benefits for businesses, not whether Quebec was consulted or will be included.
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 know that SMEs are the backbone of our economy.”About the role of SMEs, not the question of consulting Quebec.
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 measure is going to make our SMEs more productive and competitive both nationally and internationally.”About the measure’s expected effects on SMEs, not the consultation or treatment of Quebec’s government.
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 “The Premier of Quebec said it was good for Quebec.”Cites the Premier’s view of the measure but does not address whether Quebec was consulted.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “While Bloc Québécois members keep arguing, we are going to keep building a strong Canada with strong businesses in Quebec.”Praise of the government’s own course and a contrast with the Bloc, not an answer on consultation.

Respect · 100

0 of 11 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 · 69

2 of 11 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.

Something stated as certain with nothing to back it.What the tags mean “We know the reality”Asserts knowledge of ‘the reality’ in place of any source or evidence.
A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “we are going to keep building a strong Canada”A commitment with no actor-specific measures, date, or success condition named.

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“The Premier of Quebec said it was good for Quebec”The Premier of Quebec said the federal tax cut for businesses was good for Quebec.search

Analysed on 2026-10-20