Analysis · Question Period answer · beta

Heath MacDonald

Liberal on Agriculture and Agri-Food 2026-10-26

78 words · 4 sentences · 5 clauses

Replying to Chi Nguyen (Liberal)

“Mr. Speaker, food insecurity is not just a problem for Canadians. It is a global challenge. No matter one’s circumstances, everyone deserves access to safe, nutritious food. In my riding of Spadina—Harbourfront, local food banks, such as Spadina-Fort York Community Care at the Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre, work tirelessly to support our community. The local food infrastructure fund has been an integral tool for supporting these organizations and earlier this year, our government announced a new $20-million community support stream. Can the minister please update the House on how this funding will be distributed across the country and the impact it is going to have for Canadians?”

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.

Claims 76%Positioning 8%Promise 17%

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

Mr. Speaker, Claims · 59 wordsthe government is taking immediate action through the groceries and essentials benefit, through the school of food program and through the local food infrastructure fund community support stream.² Food Banks Canada and Second Harvest will both receive up to $10 million.¹ These two recipients will distribute that food to eligible food banks and not-for-profit, community-based organizations across the country.³ Positioning · 6 wordsWe are focused on the present, PositioningPartly on pointPromise · 13 wordsbut we are also building our national food security strategy for the future.Off pointVague promise

At a glance

Lost points for

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 90

1 of 4 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 “We are focused on the present,”Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 75

2 of 4 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 “We are focused on the present,”The statement expresses a focus on current efforts, which relates to the subject but does not address the distribution or impact of the funding.
Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.What the tags mean “but we are also building our national food security strategy for the future.”The statement discusses future national strategies rather than the distribution or impact of the specified funding.

Respect · 100

0 of 4 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 · 79

1 of 4 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 “building our national food security strategy for the future.”The statement commits to developing a national strategy without defining its content, milestones, or completion date.

Claims · 3

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“Food Banks Canada and Second Harvest will both receive up to $10 million”Food Banks Canada and Second Harvest will each receive up to $10 million.search
2“the government is taking immediate action through the groceries and essentials benefit, through the school of food program and through the local food infrastructure fund community support stream.”The government is implementing immediate action using the groceries and essentials benefit, the school of food program, and the local food infrastructure fund community support stream.search
3“These two recipients will distribute that food to eligible food banks and not-for-profit, community-based organizations across the country.”Food Banks Canada and Second Harvest will distribute the funding to eligible food banks and not-for-profit, community-based organizations nationwide.search

Analysed on 2026-10-28