Analysis · Question Period answer · beta

Marjorie Michel

Liberal on Mental Health and Addictions 2026-10-07

62 words · 3 sentences · 4 clauses

Replying to Kelly DeRidder (Conservative)

“Mr. Speaker, if the government is serious about strengthening protections, maybe it should actually do it. Waterloo region had 70 overdoses in four days. This is not just a public health issue. This is a humanitarian crisis. Our Conservative plan will keep communities safe. How many more lives need to be lost? How many more families torn apart before this government finally reacts? When will this government reverse course, admit that its policies are failures and start focusing on recovery, rehabilitation and treatment?”

Statement grade

48 / 100, held down by Clarity

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

Thanks 24%Claims 63%Promise 13%

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

Mr. Speaker, Thanks · 15 wordsI thank my colleague for her question because the issue of addiction is very important.Thanks Claims · 39 wordsI can tell her that I am working closely with all the provinces and territories—including her own province, Ontario—to ensure we provide the best possible support to people in distress.¹Vague promise The provinces obviously have a say in the matter, Promise · 8 wordsand I am ready to work with them.Partly on pointVague promise

At a glance

Lost points for
Didn't answerNone of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.
VagueMuch of this statement used imprecise wording, lacked details on timing or responsibility, or made broad claims without support.

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 72

1 of 6 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.

Thanks and tributes.What the tags mean “I thank my colleague for her question because the issue of addiction is very important.”Thanks: no claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 47

3 of 6 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 “I can tell her that I am working closely with all the provinces and territories—including her own province, Ontario—to ensure we provide the best possible support to people in distress.”About working with provinces on support, not the change of course or shift to recovery and treatment asked for.
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 provinces obviously have a say in the matter,”About provincial jurisdiction, not the reversal or treatment focus asked for.
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 I am ready to work with them.”About willingness to work with provinces, not the reversal or treatment focus asked for.

Respect · 100

0 of 6 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 · 18

2 of 6 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 “to ensure we provide the best possible support”The commitment names no measure, date or success condition for the support promised.
A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “I am ready to work with them”The readiness to collaborate specifies no action, date or outcome against which it could be checked.

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“I am working closely with all the provinces and territories”Health Minister Marjorie Michel said on October 7, 2026 that she is working closely with all provinces and territories, including Ontario, on support for people with addictions.search

Analysed on 2026-10-19