Analysis · Debate question · beta

Burton Bailey

Conservative on Business of Supply 2026-10-22

93 words · 4 sentences · 5 clauses

Following a speech by Alexis Deschênes (Bloc Québécois)

“Mr. Speaker, let us talk a little bit about the importance of what we are proposing today, the purpose of our motion. In the Gaspé, we are lucky to have quite a few local media outlets. What do those people do? They connect members of the community. What I mean by that is that they create a space for dialogue where people can have democratic discussions. They give a voice to the voiceless. They let marginalized people, members of civil society and elected officials express themselves. They help foster a collective dialogue. I believe in that. Freedom of expression and dialogue ensure that, in society, discussion leads to identifying promising solutions. This is a traditional media model that we need to support during this revenue crisis. Social media and major platforms are eating into these outlets’ revenue streams because there are too many advertisers paying to advertise on social media. We all use social media, but let us think about how it works. The idea behind social media is to create echo chambers, to make society as individualistic as possible so that those who think alike all end up together in their own little corner. We need to support our local media to counterbalance what social media is doing by making society individualistic. That is why members should support our motion.”

Statement grade

C–

56 / 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 41%Reasoning 16%The question 43%

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

Mr. Speaker, Claims · 16 wordsit was the Conservative government, under then prime minister Harper, that recognized Quebec as a nation.¹ Reasoning · 15 wordsCulture, language and shared ancestry all played a part in determining what a nation is. Claims · 22 wordsWith this in mind, the province of Quebec demands a level of autonomy that other provinces do not benefit from in Canada.Partly on point The question · 40 wordsWould my colleague agree that the other provinces in Canada, such as Alberta, deserve more autonomy, away from the heavy hand of the federal government, in determining what is the best direction for their province, as with immigration, for example?Off point

At a glance

Lost points for
Off topicNone of this question addressed the preceding speech or the topic under debate.

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 · 26

5 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 speech it follows, and the motion 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 “it was the Conservative government, under then prime minister Harper, that recognized Quebec as a nation.”It makes a broad statement about Quebec’s historical status as a nation without addressing the motion’s specific policy demands.
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 “Culture, language and shared ancestry all played a part in determining what a nation is.”It makes a general statement about the components of national identity which aligns with the motion’s premise.
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 this in mind, the province of Quebec demands a level of autonomy that other provinces do not benefit from in Canada.”It raises the issue of provincial autonomy for Quebec, which is related to the political scope of the motion.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “Would my colleague agree that the other provinces in Canada, such as Alberta, deserve more autonomy, away from the heavy hand of the federal government, in determining what is the best direction for their province,”The clause shifts the focus entirely to the autonomy of other provinces, such as Alberta.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “as with immigration, for example?”This clause provides an irrelevant example for the preceding point about provincial autonomy.

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 · 100

0 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.

Nothing lost points.

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“it was the Conservative government, under then prime minister Harper, that recognized Quebec as a nation.”The Conservative government under then prime minister Harper recognized Quebec as a nation.search

Analysed on 2026-10-24