Analysis · Speech on a bill · beta

Heather McPherson

NDP on Ukrainian Heritage Month Act 2026-10-07

857 words · 50 sentences · 59 clauses

Statement grade

A–

Average 86 / 100

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

Thanks 2%Claims 63%Procedure 3%Anecdote 10%Reasoning 11%Positioning 3%Promise 7%

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

Mr. Speaker, Thanks · 20 wordsI want to start by thanking former senator Stanley Kutcher and the MP for Etobicoke Centre for championing this bill.Thanks Claims · 46 wordsThis bill would designate the month of September as Ukrainian heritage month.¹ September was chosen to mark the first recorded arrival of Ukrainians to Canada during the month of September more than 125 years ago.² Canada is now home to more than 1.3 million Ukrainian Canadians.³ Procedure · 16 wordsPersonally, I am honoured to be able to speak in this place to support this bill.Procedure Anecdote · 21 wordsI come from Edmonton, Alberta, Partly on pointwhere many Ukrainian Canadians live. I know first-hand the strong contributions they make in our community.Anecdote Claims · 39 wordsNew Democrats are proud to support a month that would recognize the significant contributions that Ukrainian Canadians have made and continue to make to Canada’s social, economic, political and cultural fabric, including artistic, linguistic, culinary, religious and folkloric contributions. Reasoning · 40 wordsThe establishment of Ukrainian heritage month would not only be to celebrate Ukrainians in Canada. It would also be instrumental in educating future generations about the impactful role that Ukrainian Canadians have played and continue to play across this country. Positioning · 8 wordsWe need this bill now more than ever.Positioning Claims · 88 wordsIt has been four and a half years of horror in Ukraine since the further illegal invasion by Vladimir Putin and the Russian Federation.⁴ Putin’s brutal genocide has killed and injured thousands of Ukrainians, displacing hundreds of thousands more. As we speak, Ukrainians in Kyiv and other cities and communities across Ukraine continue to face bombing threats and abhorrent violence at the hands of Putin and his forces. Russian oligarchs continue to profit from this war, and Ukrainians stand bravely in defiance, defending their sovereignty and their lives. Anecdote · 66 wordsI think about a time in 2023 when I travelled to the towns of Irpin and Bucha.⁵ I remember going into the communities. I remember standing and looking at the buildings that had been bombed. One of the things I saw was a slide in a children’s playground, and it was riddled with bullet holes. This was a child’s slide. It was not a military target.Anecdote Claims · 250 wordsRussia’s attacks were directed at civilians and civilian infrastructure. It was not just playgrounds. It was hospitals, schools, homes and apartment buildings. One year later, I watched as Ukrainians worked to rebuild their communities.Partly on point That same indestructible spirit led Ukrainians to Canada following the Holodomor, over the decades since those unspeakable horrors were inflicted. Now, as families seek refuge from Putin’s genocidal attacks, they have come to Canada to build their lives, and in the process, they have helped to forge our nation. In Edmonton, Ukrainian Canadians and their descendants have helped shape our city and our culture. My friend, former MLA Deron Bilous, announced the province’s first official Ukrainian-Canadian Heritage Day.⁶ William Hawrelak served three separate terms as mayor, ⁷and the most beautiful park in the city, located in my riding of Edmonton Strathcona, is named for him. The first Holodomor monument in the world rests outside Edmonton city hall.⁸ Edmonton is home to the world-renowned Ukrainian Shumka dancers and to the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies at the University of Alberta in my riding.⁹ In November, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Alberta Provincial Council will present the 29th annual Hetman Awards, honouring the many Ukrainian Canadians in Alberta who contribute so much to our communities.¹⁰ As the foreign affairs critic for the new Democratic Party of Canada, I have fought hard to ensure that Canada’s response to the genocide happening in Ukraine is strong. I am proud to have sponsored four motions in the House that received unanimous consent.¹¹Partly on point Procedure · 6 wordsI want to be very clear: ProcedureReasoning · 28 wordsUnanimous consent from all parties is a message we can send as parliamentarians to Putin and the Russian Federation that when it comes to Ukraine, we stand united. Claims · 69 wordsI called on the government to help document Russian war crimes and crimes against humanity, to declare that the Russian Federation is committing acts of genocide, to designate Russia’s Wagner Group as a terrorist entity and to honour those who gave their lives in defence of our shared values. I am proud that New Democrats and all parties in the House stood together to support Ukraine when it mattered.Partly on point Procedure · 3 wordsMake no mistake.Procedure Claims · 29 wordsThe threats from Russia expand far beyond Ukraine’s borders. We see now how Russia is spreading misinformation online and engaging in foreign interference. These are attacks on democracy itself. Promise · 43 wordsWhile this genocidal war rages on and attacks on civilians continue, and with the growing threat of nuclear engagement, New Democrats will continue to push the government to do what it can to end this war and to work for peace and justice.Vague promise Reasoning · 30 wordsThe people of Ukraine need and deserve our support, and we must recognize that democracy, not just in Ukraine but around the world, is under threat. It is under attack. Positioning · 13 wordsCanadians and New Democrats stand with Ukraine. We will always stand with Ukraine.PositioningPartly on pointVague promise Claims · 22 wordsWe celebrate the close ties Canada has with Ukraine and with Ukrainian Canadians, remembering and celebrating the rich history binding our nations. Promise · 18 wordsI look forward to passing this bill so that next September, we can celebrate Ukrainian heritage month together. Positioning · 2 wordsSlava Ukraini.Positioning

At a glance

Lost points for

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 78

18 of 52 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 want to start by thanking former senator Stanley Kutcher and the MP for Etobicoke Centre for championing this bill.”Thanks: no claim, reason or ask.
Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business.What the tags mean “Personally, I am honoured to be able to speak in this place to support this bill.”Procedure or throat-clearing: no claim, reason or ask.
A story that illustrates instead of making a point.What the tags mean “I come from Edmonton, Alberta,”An anecdote: it illustrates, it does not claim, reason or ask.
A story that illustrates instead of making a point.What the tags mean “where many Ukrainian Canadians live.”An anecdote: it illustrates, it does not claim, reason or ask.
A story that illustrates instead of making a point.What the tags mean “I know first-hand the strong contributions they make in our community.”An anecdote: it illustrates, it does not claim, reason or ask.
Praise, blame or attack with no claim, reason or ask in it.What the tags mean “We need this bill now more than ever.”Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.
A story that illustrates instead of making a point.What the tags mean “I think about a time in 2023 when I travelled to the towns of Irpin and Bucha.”An anecdote: it illustrates, it does not claim, reason or ask.
A story that illustrates instead of making a point.What the tags mean “I remember going into the communities.”An anecdote: it illustrates, it does not claim, reason or ask.
A story that illustrates instead of making a point.What the tags mean “I remember standing and looking at the buildings that had been bombed.”An anecdote: it illustrates, it does not claim, reason or ask.
A story that illustrates instead of making a point.What the tags mean “One of the things I saw was a slide in a children’s playground,”An anecdote: it illustrates, it does not claim, reason or ask.
A story that illustrates instead of making a point.What the tags mean “and it was riddled with bullet holes.”An anecdote: it illustrates, it does not claim, reason or ask.
A story that illustrates instead of making a point.What the tags mean “This was a child’s slide.”An anecdote: it illustrates, it does not claim, reason or ask.
A story that illustrates instead of making a point.What the tags mean “It was not a military target.”An anecdote: it illustrates, it does not claim, reason or ask.
Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business.What the tags mean “I want to be very clear:”Procedure or throat-clearing: no claim, reason or ask.
Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business.What the tags mean “Make no mistake.”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 “Canadians and New Democrats stand with Ukraine.”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 “We will always stand with Ukraine.”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 “Slava Ukraini.”Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 70

32 of 52 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 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 come from Edmonton, Alberta,”Personal background about the member’s home city, not the bill’s designation of a heritage month.
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 has been four and a half years of horror in Ukraine since the further illegal invasion by Vladimir Putin and the Russian Federation.”About the war in Ukraine, which touches the bill’s heritage subject only in passing.
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 “Putin’s brutal genocide has killed and injured thousands of Ukrainians, displacing hundreds of thousands more.”About Russian attacks in Ukraine, not the designation of a heritage month.
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 we speak, Ukrainians in Kyiv and other cities and communities across Ukraine continue to face bombing threats and abhorrent violence at the hands of Putin and his forces.”About ongoing violence in Ukraine, not the bill’s heritage designation.
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 “Russian oligarchs continue to profit from this war,”About Russian oligarchs’ profits from the war, not the bill.
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 Ukrainians stand bravely in defiance, defending their sovereignty and their lives.”About Ukrainian resistance in the war, not the heritage month the bill proposes.
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 think about a time in 2023 when I travelled to the towns of Irpin and Bucha.”A travel account of war-damaged towns in Ukraine, touching the bill’s subject only in passing.
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 remember going into the communities.”Personal recollection of the Ukraine visit, not the bill’s designation.
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 remember standing and looking at the buildings that had been bombed.”Recollection of bombed buildings in Ukraine, not the heritage month.
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 “One of the things I saw was a slide in a children’s playground,”Details of a war-damaged playground in Ukraine, not the bill.
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 it was riddled with bullet holes.”Description of war damage, not the bill’s heritage designation.
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 was a child’s slide.”A detail of the Ukraine travel account, not the bill.
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 was not a military target.”About targeting of civilians in the war, not the bill.
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 “Russia’s attacks were directed at civilians and civilian infrastructure.”About Russia’s attacks on civilians, not the designation of a heritage month.
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 was not just playgrounds.”Continues the war damage account, not the bill’s subject.
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 was hospitals, schools, homes and apartment buildings.”Lists civilian targets attacked in the war, not the bill.
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 “One year later, I watched as Ukrainians worked to rebuild their communities.”About Ukrainians rebuilding in Ukraine, not the heritage designation.
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 the foreign affairs critic for the new Democratic Party of Canada, I have fought hard to ensure that Canada’s response to the genocide happening in Ukraine is strong.”About the member’s record on Canada’s response to the war, not the bill’s heritage designation.
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 am proud to have sponsored four motions in the House that received unanimous consent.”About motions on Ukraine the member sponsored, not the bill before the House.
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 “Unanimous consent from all parties is a message we can send as parliamentarians to Putin and the Russian Federation that when it comes to Ukraine, we stand united.”About parliamentary messaging to Russia, not the heritage month.
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 called on the government to help document Russian war crimes and crimes against humanity, to declare that the Russian Federation is committing acts of genocide, to designate Russia’s Wagner Group as a terrorist entity and to honour those who gave their lives in defence of our shared values.”About past asks on Russia policy, not the bill’s designation of September.
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 am proud that New Democrats and all parties in the House stood together to support Ukraine when it mattered.”About parties’ past support for Ukraine, not the bill before the House.
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 threats from Russia expand far beyond Ukraine’s borders.”About Russian threats beyond Ukraine, not the heritage designation.
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 see now how Russia is spreading misinformation online and engaging in foreign interference.”About Russian disinformation and interference, not the bill.
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 “These are attacks on democracy itself.”About threats to democracy from Russia, not the bill.
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 “While this genocidal war rages on and attacks on civilians continue,”About the war and attacks on civilians, not the bill’s designation.
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 with the growing threat of nuclear engagement, New Democrats will continue to push the government to do what it can to end this war and to work for peace and justice.”About future pushes on government Ukraine policy, not the bill itself.
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 people of Ukraine need and deserve our support,”About support for Ukraine in the war, not the heritage month.
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 must recognize that democracy, not just in Ukraine but around the world, is under threat.”About democracy under threat worldwide, not the bill.
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 is under attack.”About democracy under attack, not the bill’s designation.
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 and New Democrats stand with Ukraine.”A statement of solidarity with Ukraine, not the bill’s heritage designation.
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 will always stand with Ukraine.”A statement of solidarity with Ukraine, not the bill itself.

Respect · 100

0 of 52 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 · 94

2 of 52 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 “New Democrats will continue to push the government to do what it can to end this war”A commitment with no measure, date or success condition named.
A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “We will always stand with Ukraine”A pledge with no action, date or measure attached.

Claims · 11

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“This bill would designate the month of September as Ukrainian heritage month”Bill S-210 designates September as Ukrainian Heritage Month.search
2“the first recorded arrival of Ukrainians to Canada during the month of September more than 125 years ago”The first recorded arrival of Ukrainians to Canada was in September more than 125 years ago.search
3“more than 1.3 million Ukrainian Canadians”Canada is home to more than 1.3 million Ukrainian Canadians.search
4“four and a half years of horror in Ukraine since the further illegal invasion by Vladimir Putin and the Russian Federation”Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began about four and a half years before October 2026, i.e., in 2022.search
5“in 2023 when I travelled to the towns of Irpin and Bucha”Heather McPherson travelled to Irpin and Bucha in 2023.search
6“former MLA Deron Bilous, announced the province’s first official Ukrainian-Canadian Heritage Day”Former Alberta MLA Deron Bilous announced Alberta’s first official Ukrainian-Canadian Heritage Day.search
7“William Hawrelak served three separate terms as mayor”William Hawrelak served three separate terms as mayor of Edmonton.search
8“The first Holodomor monument in the world rests outside Edmonton city hall”The world’s first Holodomor monument is located outside Edmonton city hall.search
9“Edmonton is home to the world-renowned Ukrainian Shumka dancers and to the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies at the University of Alberta in my riding.”The Ukrainian Shumka dancers are based in Edmonton, and the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies is at the University of Alberta.search
10“the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Alberta Provincial Council will present the 29th annual Hetman Awards”The Ukrainian Canadian Congress Alberta Provincial Council was to present the 29th annual Hetman Awards in November 2026.search
11“sponsored four motions in the House that received unanimous consent”Heather McPherson sponsored four motions in the House of Commons that received unanimous consent.search

Analysed on 2026-10-19