Analysis · Question Period answer · beta

Gary Anandasangaree

Liberal on Correctional Service of Canada 2026-10-07

75 words · 4 sentences · 4 clauses

Replying to Arpan Khanna (Conservative)

“Mr. Speaker, Canadians were shocked to learn that, under the Liberals, federal prisons are handing out paper straws for inmates to snort cocaine with. That is right; there are taxpayer-funded paper straws behind prison walls. The Liberals are literally helping inmates do dangerous drugs, which will make them even more dangerous when they come out of jail. I know they have no use for paper— Some hon. members: Oh, oh! Mr. Speaker, I know the Liberals are looking for a new use for their paper straws, but this is insane. Will the member end this today?”

Statement grade

B–

Average 73 / 100

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

Claims 71%Positioning 29%

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

Mr. Speaker, Claims · 53 wordswe are concerned by the distribution of these items in federal penitentiaries. Correctional Service Canada is an independent agency and follows its own established guidelines and frameworks.¹Partly on point I have been made aware that, following discussions with employees and labour partners, Correctional Service Canada has decided to pause the implementation of these additional measures.² Positioning · 22 wordsOur government will always work to protect Canadians and correctional staff and combat the flow of illicit drugs, including in federal penitentiaries.PositioningPartly on pointVague promise

At a glance

Lost points for

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 65

1 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.

Praise, blame or attack with no claim, reason or ask in it.What the tags mean “Our government will always work to protect Canadians and correctional staff and combat the flow of illicit drugs, including in federal penitentiaries.”Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 62

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 are concerned by the distribution of these items in federal penitentiaries.”Expresses concern about the items but does not say whether the government will end their distribution.
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 “Correctional Service Canada is an independent agency and follows its own established guidelines and frameworks.”Explains the agency’s independence and guidelines without saying what will be done about the straws.
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 government will always work to protect Canadians and correctional staff and combat the flow of illicit drugs, including in federal penitentiaries.”States a general commitment to combat drugs rather than answering about the straws.

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 · 65

1 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 “will always work to protect Canadians and correctional staff and combat the flow of illicit drugs”A standing commitment with no measure, actor beyond ‘we’, date, or success condition.

Claims · 2

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“Correctional Service Canada is an independent agency and follows its own established guidelines and frameworks”Correctional Service Canada is an independent agency that follows its own established guidelines and frameworks.search
2“Correctional Service Canada has decided to pause the implementation of these additional measures”Following discussions with employees and labour partners, Correctional Service Canada decided to pause the implementation of the measures in question (the distribution of paper straws in federal penitentiaries).search

Analysed on 2026-10-19