Analysis · Debate reply · beta

Steven MacKinnon

Liberal on Building Canada Strong Act 2026-09-23

64 words · 3 sentences · 4 clauses

Replying to Maxime Blanchette-Joncas (Bloc Québécois)

“Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Transport mentioned wanting to use the available expertise to accelerate projects of national interest. Speaking of expertise, Canada’s chief science adviser told the Standing Committee on Science and Research that she had never been consulted about projects of national interest. It is funny. The minister is talking about expertise, but he is not consulting his own expert, who is paid with public money. Instead of trying to convince us that he is using available expertise, can he simply confirm that he uses it only when it suits his narrative?”

Statement grade

77 / 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.

Claims 89%Reasoning 11%

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

Mr. Speaker, Claims · 13 wordsI can confirm that we are proud to have a chief science adviser, ¹Reasoning · 7 wordsbecause we are always guided by science. Claims · 44 wordsIt helps us define a science policy for the entire government. As for regulators and regulatory agencies, they obviously have access to the best expertise available in the fields of energy, nuclear power and transportation so they can carry out their respective independent roles.Partly on point

At a glance

Lost points for
Didn't answerNone of this reply addressed the specific point raised or the topic under debate.

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 100

0 of 4 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 · 47

4 of 4 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 point put to the member, and the bill under debate.

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 can confirm that we are proud to have a chief science adviser,”It affirms pride in having a chief science adviser but does not address whether she was consulted or whether expertise is used selectively.
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 are always guided by science.”It speaks to the government being guided by science generally, not to the consultation question raised.
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 “It helps us define a science policy for the entire government.”It describes the adviser’s role in government science policy, not whether she was consulted on projects of national interest.
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 for regulators and regulatory agencies, they obviously have access to the best expertise available in the fields of energy, nuclear power and transportation so they can carry out their respective independent roles.”It is about regulators and their access to expertise, not the specific claim that the chief science adviser was never consulted.

Respect · 100

0 of 4 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 · 100

0 of 4 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.

Nothing lost points.

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 are proud to have a chief science adviser”Canada currently has a chief science adviser.search

Analysed on 2026-10-20