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Claude Guay

Liberal on Adjournment Proceedings 2026-10-06

470 words · 21 sentences · 27 clauses

Replying to Arnold Viersen (Conservative)

“Mr. Speaker, I have been on my feet a number of times today. I am pleased to talk about something I asked the government about a while back as to whether the government would adopt our Conservative action plan to fix diesel prices in this country. I mentioned in my question that a guy named Steve Van Raalte from my riding was having trouble paying for fuel. He is a heavy-duty mechanic, and he has to drive around from job site to job site. This was really cutting into his bottom line. I pointed out that there are at least two companies in Alberta that are interested in developing and are working on developing a process to make diesel fuel out of natural gas. This is a pretty cool technology. I will just talk a little bit about Shell’s Pennzoil. Shell developed the ability to make engine oil out of natural gas and brought it to market commercially in 2011, so it is entirely possible. The reality is that the companies that are developing this cool technology will probably never set up in Alberta. They are developing the technology in Alberta, but they will probably set up in another jurisdiction because of the industrial carbon tax. There is no way to pay for it when they have to pay the industrial carbon tax. The other challenge they face is that the banks will not fund them, and insurance companies are not interested in funding them, because of the policies and the rhetoric that have come out of the Liberal government over the last 10 years. Interestingly, when I asked this question the week before last, I got a response from the parliamentary secretary to the housing minister, addressing housing. I did not get an answer at all about diesel prices and the things I was concerned about. The answer was shockingly out of touch. I am hoping that tonight we will actually get an answer to my question about whether the government will get out of the way and remove all the taxes on diesel fuel. Diesel prices have risen by over 80%. I would point out that the last time the price of oil was at $100 a barrel, we were paying about $1.40 a litre for diesel fuel. Today we are paying $2.44. A whole bunch of Liberal policies have been put in place that are causing this, from our money’s not being worth as much as it used to be, to our not having developed our own resources in Canada because of the stifling, leave-it-in-the-ground Liberals. We have put forward our emergency fuel plan. We want to provide emergency remittance and tax relief to companies. We want to get rid of the industrial carbon tax. We want to make sure we can get the refineries and the pipelines built. We want to be able to make sure that the energy we produce here in Canada can be used in all parts of Canada. It is crazy to every Albertan that we are the energy superpower of the world yet cannot get our energy to the east coast. We also want to make sure that we have a reserve so we can have a buffer in the price shocks that happen. I am wondering if the Liberal member can answer me. Will the Liberals be supporting our plan to get diesel prices down so guys like Steve can make enough money to put food on the table for their kids?”

Statement grade

C+

Average 66 / 100

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

Claims 70%Positioning 28%Aside 2%

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

Mr. Speaker, Claims · 16 wordsCanadians are living through a period of economic uncertainty shaped by global instability and rising costs. Positioning · 47 wordsIn response, this government continues to focus on what we can control, not on one specific measure, by looking at the total picture: Vague promisebuilding a strong Canadian economy, diversifying our trade partners abroad, delivering responsible fiscal management and supporting Canadians who are under pressure from everyday expenses.Positioning Claims · 18 wordsPeople across the country are worried about the price of essentials like fuel, food, housing and daily necessities. Aside · 9 wordsThat is maybe why the member heard about housing.Aside Positioning · 21 wordsThis government understands those pressures, and we are taking concrete, responsible action to ease the burden while safeguarding long-term economic stability.PositioningVague promise Claims · 297 wordsThis includes immediate support on daily costs.Partly on point In April, we temporarily lifted the excise tax on gasoline and diesel through the summer months, initially planned until Labour Day.¹ On the first day of implementation in April, gasoline prices declined by 11¢ per litre, delivering immediate relief to consumers.² We also ended the fuel charge last year.³ On September 2, we announced an extension of the measure until January 31, 2027, after which we will apply 50% of the regular excise tax rate from February 1 to March 31, 2027.⁴ All told, this is estimated to provide $5.3 billion in tax relief for Canadians, of which $2.9 billion is from the September extension.⁵ This pause on the excise tax lowers prices at the pump and helps reduce transportation and production costs across the economy, supporting families, truck drivers and the businesses that rely on them to move goods. Many businesses also get back the GST on fuel through their income tax returns. The government also introduced the new Canada groceries and essentials benefit to provide additional significant support to more than 12 million Canadians.⁶ It is based on the goods and services tax credit, but it is more generous. As of July 2026, payment amounts have increased by 25% for five years, ⁷and in June, those 12 million Canadians received a one-time top-up payment.⁸ Combined, this means that a family of four will receive up to $1,890 this year and a single person up to $950.⁹ We know that housing affordability continues to challenge many Canadians, just like the price of fuel, especially those trying to purchase their first home. That is why we eliminated the GST for first-time homebuyers on new homes valued up to $1 million, a measure that can provide savings of up to $50,000.¹⁰Off point Positioning · 62 wordsTaken together as a whole, these and other actions reflect a balanced approach, immediate cost relief, targeted support for those who need it the most, and prudent management of the public purse, which the member opposite and his team often suggest to us. This government continues to respond to affordability pressures with fairness, discipline and a focus on results for all Canadians.PositioningPartly on pointVague promise

At a glance

Lost points for
Echo ×6“Gasoline prices declined by 11¢ per litre.” Said 6 times by 6 members.Every time it was said
Echo ×5“Combined with a 25% increase in the benefit for five years as of July, a family of four will receive up to $1,890 this year, and a single person up to $950 in 2026.” Said 5 times by 5 members.Every time it was said
Echo ×4“Delivering responsible fiscal management and supporting Canadians who are under pressure from everyday expenses.” Said 4 times by 3 members.Every time it was said
Echo ×4“Our government continues to focus on what we can control.” Said 4 times by 3 members.Every time it was said
Echo ×3“Discipline and a focus on results for Canadians.” Said 3 times by 3 members.Every time it was said

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 53

9 of 32 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 “In response, this government continues to focus on what we can control, not on one specific measure, by looking at the total picture:”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 “building a strong Canadian economy, diversifying our trade partners abroad, delivering responsible fiscal management and supporting Canadians who are under pressure from everyday expenses.”Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.
A remark off to the side of the point.What the tags mean “That is maybe why the member heard about housing.”An aside: no claim, reason or ask.
Praise, blame or attack with no claim, reason or ask in it.What the tags mean “This government understands those pressures,”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 “and we are taking concrete, responsible action to ease the burden while safeguarding long-term economic stability.”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 “Taken together as a whole, these and other actions reflect a balanced approach, immediate cost relief, targeted support for those who need it the most,”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 “and prudent management of the public purse,”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 “which the member opposite and his team often suggest to us.”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 “This government continues to respond to affordability pressures with fairness, discipline and a focus on results for all Canadians.”Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 37

20 of 32 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 on notice, as the member's speech raises it.

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 “Canadians are living through a period of economic uncertainty shaped by global instability and rising costs.”General economic conditions, not the diesel tax question put to the member.
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 “In response, this government continues to focus on what we can control, not on one specific measure, by looking at the total picture:”Sets out a general approach rather than answering whether the government will adopt the plan 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 “building a strong Canadian economy, diversifying our trade partners abroad, delivering responsible fiscal management and supporting Canadians who are under pressure from everyday expenses.”Lists broad government priorities without addressing the diesel price plan.
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 “People across the country are worried about the price of essentials like fuel, food, housing and daily necessities.”Notes cost pressures including fuel, but does not answer 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 “That is maybe why the member heard about housing.”A comment on the earlier housing answer, not on the diesel 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 “This government understands those pressures,”General statement of understanding cost pressures, not an answer on the plan.
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 we are taking concrete, responsible action to ease the burden while safeguarding long-term economic stability.”General claim of action without addressing the diesel tax measures 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 “This includes immediate support on daily costs.”Introduces cost support generally without yet addressing diesel taxes.
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 government also introduced the new Canada groceries and essentials benefit to provide additional significant support to more than 12 million Canadians.”About a groceries benefit, not the diesel price plan 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 “It is based on the goods and services tax credit,”Design of the groceries benefit, not the diesel tax question.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “but it is more generous.”Further detail on the groceries benefit, not diesel prices.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “As of July 2026, payment amounts have increased by 25% for five years,”Payment amounts for the groceries benefit, not the diesel plan.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “and in June, those 12 million Canadians received a one-time top-up payment.”A top-up under the groceries benefit, not the diesel tax question.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “Combined, this means that a family of four will receive up to $1,890 this year and a single person up to $950.”Benefit amounts for families, not the diesel price plan.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “We know that housing affordability continues to challenge many Canadians, just like the price of fuel, especially those trying to purchase their first home.”Housing affordability, not the diesel taxes 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 “That is why we eliminated the GST for first-time homebuyers on new homes valued up to $1 million, a measure that can provide savings of up to $50,000.”A first-time homebuyer GST measure, unrelated to diesel prices.
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 “Taken together as a whole, these and other actions reflect a balanced approach, immediate cost relief, targeted support for those who need it the most,”Summarizes the government’s overall approach without addressing the plan 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 “and prudent management of the public purse,”General fiscal management language, not the diesel tax measures.
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 “which the member opposite and his team often suggest to us.”A remark about the member’s side, not the diesel price plan.
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 government continues to respond to affordability pressures with fairness, discipline and a focus on results for all Canadians.”A closing statement of the government’s general approach, not the plan asked about.

Respect · 100

0 of 32 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 · 75

3 of 32 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 “continues to focus on what we can control”A commitment with no measure, date or success condition, explicitly declining to name specifics.
A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “we are taking concrete, responsible action to ease the burden”Asserts action is underway without naming any actor’s measure, date or test of success.
A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “continues to respond to affordability pressures with fairness, discipline and a focus on results”An open-ended commitment framed only in characterisations, with no concrete step, actor or measurable outcome.

Echo · 5 repeated lines

Words members of Parliament keep repeating, found by the same rule for every member. No score depends on it.

“Gasoline prices declined by 11¢ per litre.”Said 6 times by 6 members.Every time it was said
“Combined with a 25% increase in the benefit for five years as of July, a family of four will receive up to $1,890 this year, and a single person up to $950 in 2026.”Said 5 times by 5 members.Every time it was said
“Delivering responsible fiscal management and supporting Canadians who are under pressure from everyday expenses.”Said 4 times by 3 members.Every time it was said
“Our government continues to focus on what we can control.”Said 4 times by 3 members.Every time it was said
“Discipline and a focus on results for Canadians.”Said 3 times by 3 members.Every time it was said

Claims · 10

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“In April, we temporarily lifted the excise tax on gasoline and diesel through the summer months”The government temporarily lifted the excise tax on gasoline and diesel in April 2026 through the summer months.search
2“gasoline prices declined by 11¢ per litre”On the first day the excise tax cut took effect in April 2026, gasoline prices declined by 11 cents per litre.search
3“We also ended the fuel charge last year”The government ended the federal fuel charge in 2025.search
4“On September 2, we announced an extension of the measure until January 31, 2027”On September 2, 2026, the government announced an extension of the excise tax pause until January 31, 2027, with 50% of the regular rate applying from February 1 to March 31, 2027.search
5“estimated to provide $5.3 billion in tax relief for Canadians, of which $2.9 billion is from the September extension”The excise tax relief is estimated to provide $5.3 billion in tax relief, of which $2.9 billion comes from the September extension.search
6“the new Canada groceries and essentials benefit to provide additional significant support to more than 12 million Canadians”The government introduced a Canada groceries and essentials benefit providing support to more than 12 million Canadians.search
7“payment amounts have increased by 25% for five years”As of July 2026, payment amounts under the benefit increased by 25% for five years.search
8“in June, those 12 million Canadians received a one-time top-up payment”In June 2026, about 12 million Canadians received a one-time top-up payment under the benefit.search
9“a family of four will receive up to $1,890 this year and a single person up to $950”Under the benefit, a family of four will receive up to $1,890 this year and a single person up to $950.search
10“we eliminated the GST for first-time homebuyers on new homes valued up to $1 million”The government eliminated the GST for first-time homebuyers on new homes valued up to $1 million, a measure it says can provide savings of up to $50,000.search

Analysed on 2026-10-19