Analysis · Debate reply · beta

Mike Kelloway

Liberal on Adjournment Proceedings 2026-10-21

446 words · 20 sentences · 22 clauses

Replying to Cheryl Gallant (Conservative)

“Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise on behalf of the farm-filled riding of Algonquin—Renfrew—Pembroke to address the absence of an answer from the Liberal government when asked if the Liberals would support our Conservative emergency fuel relief plan. Soaring diesel costs are putting even more pressure on the cost of food. Diesel prices have risen by nearly 80% over the last year. Diesel powers the tractors that grow our food. Diesel powers the trucks and trains that move it. When those costs rise, farmers, businesses and families pay more. That is why the Conservatives put forward the emergency fuel relief plan to cut diesel costs, produce more Canadian fuel and save Canadians money. Sadly, the Liberal MPs voted it down. Lower costs for farmers who grow our food and the businesses that ship it mean lower costs throughout the supply chain. Our plan to save Canadians money stands in stark contrast to the Liberals’ official policy of higher prices. The Liberal plan to ban 90% of plastic in grocery stores will increase the price of food. The Liberal plan to increase ethanol and gasoline has increased, and will continue to increase, the prices at the pump. The Prime Minister’s promise to impose carbon tariffs will increase the cost of imports from countries without a carbon tax. The Liberal plan to impose costly new electricity regulations will push up the price of Canadians’ power bills. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister claims this is all fake news. He waves his hand and tells us, “These are not the Liberal policies you’re looking for.” Instead, the Liberals reach for the Trump playbook, specifically the page on meaningless symbolic renamings. Just as the U.S. president renamed Lake Ontario, the Liberals renamed the GST credit, but the Liberal gaslighting starts when they claim their renamed GST credit is somehow proof that they care about affordability. The truth is that this is evidence of their guilt. Gaslighting is the only way to describe a party led by an economist who makes the claim that giving people back their own money lowers prices. Liberal policies such as the plastic packaging ban, as well as electricity and fuel regulations, increase costs. The Prime Minister’s out of control spending is fuelling inflation. The latest PBO report highlights just how much more reckless this Liberal government is compared to the previous Trudeau government. The report reveals that, before any new spending has been announced in the upcoming budget, total borrowing over the next five years will reach three quarters of a trillion dollars. Every Canadian should know that the first $1,500 they send the government in taxes is going to pay the interest on the Liberal debt. Interest payments are the fastest-growing expense. By the end of the government’s term in office, the federal government will be spending $83 billion on interest payments, and that same year the federal government is budgeted to spend $64 billion on health care. We have an aging population, but prime minister Brookfield wants to spend more on corporate welfare than Canadians’ health care. Out of control spending pushes up demand in the economy and stokes inflation. Liberal regulations push up the cost of fuel and electricity. They will deny this reality as long as they can, but Canadians paying higher prices can see the truth. Higher prices are the official policy of the Liberal Party.”

Statement grade

C+

66 / 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 85%Reasoning 10%Positioning 6%

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

Mr. Speaker, Claims · 62 wordsour government recognizes that Canadians are facing economic uncertainty as global instability and rising costs put pressure on household budgets. Tariffs imposed by our largest trading partner are having a significant impact on workers and businesses from coast to coast to coast. At the same time, conflict and instability in the Middle East have contributed to higher fuel prices around the world. Reasoning · 9 wordsIn the face of these pressures, Canadians need relief, Positioning · 5 wordsand our government has delivered.PositioningUnearned certainty Claims · 206 wordsLast spring, we acted to ease the impact of the high fuel costs on Canadians.Vague promise In April, after disruptions to crude oil shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz drove fuel prices even higher, our government temporarily suspended the federal fuel excise tax.¹ This measure saved Canadians and Canadian businesses up to 10¢ per litre on gasoline and unleaded aviation gasoline, up to 11¢ per litre on leaded aviation gasoline and up to four cents per litre on diesel and aviation fuel.² The cost savings were immediate. When the temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax was first introduced, gasoline prices declined by 11% per litre on the first day of the implementation, delivering immediate results to consumers.³ With Bill C-38, we are continuing to provide relief at the pump by proposing to extend the temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax until and including January 31, 2027, ⁴and to apply 50% of the regular excise tax rate from February 1 through March 31, 2027, inclusively.⁵ This measure would help lower everyday costs for Canadians, including truckers and businesses in the food, agriculture, housing, construction and delivery sectors. In short, it would continue providing timely and meaningful relief when Canadians need it the most.Vague promise Reasoning · 34 wordsWe also recognize that groceries do not reach the store shelves on their own. In a country as vast as Canada, moving people and goods is essential and it depends heavily on diesel fuel. Claims · 98 wordsHigher diesel prices at the pump have also squeezed business margins by increasing the cost of bringing goods to market. The government remains in close contact with refiners as they maximize diesel production capacity to respond to current conditions. As our government has said many times, we remain focused on what we can control, including strengthening Canada’s economy, diversifying our international trade partnerships, managing public finances responsibly and supporting Canadians, who are facing rising costs on a daily basis.Vague promise Across the country, Canadians are concerned about the cost of essentials, including fuel, food, housing and other basic necessities. Positioning · 20 wordsOur government understands these pressures and is taking concrete, responsible action to provide relief while safeguarding Canada’s long-term economic stability.PositioningVague promise Claims · 12 wordsThat action includes temporarily suspending the excise tax on gasoline and diesel.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.
Echo ×6“Gasoline prices declined by 11¢ per litre.” Said 6 times by 6 members.Every time it was said
Echo ×5“Our government temporarily suspended the federal fuel excise tax.” Said 5 times by 4 members.Every time it was said
Echo ×4“Including truckers and businesses in the food.” Said 4 times by 4 members.Every time it was said
Echo ×3“Up to 11¢ per litre on leaded aviation gasoline and up to four cents per litre on diesel and aviation fuel.” 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 · 88

2 of 29 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 “and our government has delivered.”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 “Our government understands these pressures and is taking concrete, responsible action to provide relief while safeguarding Canada’s long-term economic stability.”Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 36

22 of 29 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 “our government recognizes that Canadians are facing economic uncertainty as global instability and rising costs put pressure on household budgets.”It speaks to cost pressures generally, not whether the government supports the fuel relief 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 “Tariffs imposed by our largest trading partner are having a significant impact on workers and businesses from coast to coast to coast.”Tariffs’ impact is another cost-pressure issue, not the fuel relief plan 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 “At the same time, conflict and instability in the Middle East have contributed to higher fuel prices around the world.”It explains world fuel prices but does not address support for the proposed 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 “In the face of these pressures, Canadians need relief,”It states the need for relief without addressing the plan put to the government.
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 our government has delivered.”It claims relief was delivered but does not say whether the government supports the proposed 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 “Last spring, we acted to ease the impact of the high fuel costs on Canadians.”It points to past government action rather than answering about the proposed 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 “In April, after disruptions to crude oil shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz drove fuel prices even higher, our government temporarily suspended the federal fuel excise tax.”It describes the government’s own excise tax measure, not 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 “This measure saved Canadians and Canadian businesses up to 10¢ per litre on gasoline and unleaded aviation gasoline, up to 11¢ per litre on leaded aviation gasoline and up to four cents per litre on diesel and aviation fuel.”It gives figures for the government’s own measure, not the Conservative 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 “The cost savings were immediate.”It concerns the government’s own measure’s effect, not 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 “When the temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax was first introduced, gasoline prices declined by 11% per litre on the first day of the implementation, delivering immediate results to consumers.”It reports gasoline price effects of the government’s measure, not the proposed 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 “With Bill C-38, we are continuing to provide relief at the pump by proposing to extend the temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax until and including January 31, 2027,”It describes Bill C-38’s extension of the excise suspension, an alternative to 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 to apply 50% of the regular excise tax rate from February 1 through March 31, 2027, inclusively.”It details the government’s bill, not whether the proposed plan is supported.
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 measure would help lower everyday costs for Canadians, including truckers and businesses in the food, agriculture, housing, construction and delivery sectors.”It lists the bill’s benefits but does not address the plan put to the government.
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 short, it would continue providing timely and meaningful relief when Canadians need it the most.”It summarizes the government’s own measure, not the proposed 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 “We also recognize that groceries do not reach the store shelves on their own.”It speaks to food distribution generally 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 “In a country as vast as Canada, moving people and goods is essential and it depends heavily on diesel fuel.”It discusses diesel’s role in transport, not the proposed 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 “Higher diesel prices at the pump have also squeezed business margins by increasing the cost of bringing goods to market.”It describes diesel cost effects on business, not the plan put to the government.
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 government remains in close contact with refiners as they maximize diesel production capacity to respond to current conditions.”It notes contacts with refiners on production, not the proposed 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 “As our government has said many times, we remain focused on what we can control, including strengthening Canada’s economy, diversifying our international trade partnerships, managing public finances responsibly and supporting Canadians, who are facing rising costs on a daily basis.”It lists the government’s broad priorities 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 “Across the country, Canadians are concerned about the cost of essentials, including fuel, food, housing and other basic necessities.”It describes general cost concerns, not the proposed 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 “Our government understands these pressures and is taking concrete, responsible action to provide relief while safeguarding Canada’s long-term economic stability.”It asserts the government’s general action, not whether the proposed plan is supported.
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 action includes temporarily suspending the excise tax on gasoline and diesel.”It restates the government’s own excise measure, not the plan asked about.

Respect · 100

0 of 29 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 · 63

5 of 29 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.

Something stated as certain with nothing to back it.What the tags mean “has delivered.”The clause asserts a successful outcome without providing any specific details or evidence.
A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “we acted”The word ‘acted’ is too general to specify the nature or extent of the relief measures taken.
A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “timely and meaningful relief”The terms ‘timely’ and ‘meaningful’ are subjective and lack specific, objective criteria for assessment.
A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “strengthening Canada’s economy, diversifying our international trade partnerships, managing public finances responsibly and supporting Canadians”These are broad, abstract goals that lack measurable actions or deadlines.
A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “concrete, responsible action”The phrase defines actions using subjective adjectives that are not measurable.

Echo · 4 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
“Our government temporarily suspended the federal fuel excise tax.”Said 5 times by 4 members.Every time it was said
“Including truckers and businesses in the food.”Said 4 times by 4 members.Every time it was said
“Up to 11¢ per litre on leaded aviation gasoline and up to four cents per litre on diesel and aviation fuel.”Said 3 times by 3 members.Every time it was said

Claims · 5

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, after disruptions to crude oil shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz drove fuel prices even higher, our government temporarily suspended the federal fuel excise tax”In April 2026, after disruptions to crude oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, the Canadian government temporarily suspended the federal fuel excise tax.search
2“up to 10¢ per litre on gasoline and unleaded aviation gasoline, up to 11¢ per litre on leaded aviation gasoline and up to four cents per litre on diesel”The temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax saved up to 10¢ per litre on gasoline and unleaded aviation gasoline, up to 11¢ per litre on leaded aviation gasoline, and up to 4¢ per litre on diesel and aviation fuel.search
3“gasoline prices declined by 11% per litre on the first day of the implementation”On the first day the fuel excise tax suspension took effect, gasoline prices declined by 11% per litre.search
4“With Bill C-38, we are continuing to provide relief at the pump by proposing to extend the temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax until and including January 31, 2027”Bill C-38 proposes to extend the temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax until and including January 31, 2027.search
5“to apply 50% of the regular excise tax rate from February 1 through March 31, 2027, inclusively”Bill C-38 proposes to apply 50% of the regular federal fuel excise tax rate from February 1 through March 31, 2027, inclusively.search

Analysed on 2026-10-22