Analysis · Question Period answer · beta

Robert Oliphant

Liberal on Foreign Affairs 2026-10-22

60 words · 3 sentences · 3 clauses

Replying to Heather McPherson (NDP)

“Mr. Speaker, this week we learned Israeli defence company Elbit Systems is acquiring a Canadian submarine company. A few weeks ago, a different Israeli company acquired a Canadian offshore project owned by Suncor. Both of these companies are on a United Nations blacklist for complicity in genocide and the ongoing illegal occupation in Palestine. The government has promised to ban trade with illegal settlements and told Canadian businesses not to deal with companies like this, but here we are. Will the federal government step in to stop this acquisition?”

Statement grade

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Not graded

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

Reasoning 37%Promise 63%

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

Mr. Speaker, Reasoning · 22 wordsobviously, peace and the fragility of the situation in the Middle East are constantly on our minds as the Government of Canada.Off point Promise · 38 wordsWe will continue to do everything to bring peace, protect the rights of Palestinians and Israelis and ensure that the illegal settlements are not furthered.¹Vague promise We will continue to do that every day as we continue to investigate.²Partly on pointVague promise

At a glance

Lost points for
Didn't answerNone of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 100

0 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.

Nothing lost points.

Relevance · 30

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.

Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “obviously, peace and the fragility of the situation in the Middle East are constantly on our minds as the Government of Canada.”It discusses general government concerns about the Middle East without addressing the specific acquisition mentioned in the 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 “We will continue to do everything to bring peace, protect the rights of Palestinians and Israelis and ensure that the illegal settlements are not furthered.”It reiterates general government commitments regarding illegal settlements without stating specific intervention concerning the Elbit acquisition.
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 continue to do that every day as we continue to investigate.”On the subject of the question, but no answer to what was asked can be drawn from it.

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 · 34

2 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 “continue to do everything”The commitment lacks specific measures, actors, or success conditions for bringing peace and protecting rights.
A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “We will continue to do that every day”The speaker uses a non-specific commitment to repeat actions without detailing what those actions are or what results they aim to achieve.

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“ensure that the illegal settlements are not furthered”The Government of Canada, as of October 2026, is working to ensure that Israeli illegal settlements are not furthered.search
2“we continue to investigate”The Government of Canada is conducting an investigation, as of October 2026, related to Israeli settlement activity.search

Analysed on 2026-10-24