Analysis · Question Period answer · beta

Steven MacKinnon

Liberal on Rail Transportation 2026-10-27

71 words · 3 sentences · 4 clauses

Replying to Jacques Gourde (Conservative)

“Mr. Speaker, the Parliamentary Budget Officer’s latest report revealed that the deficits over the next five years will total more than $330 billion. In addition, the Alto project represents another $150 billion. The Liberal government is digging itself deeper and deeper into a bottomless pit of debt. Can the Liberals confirm whether or not the $150 billion for the Alto project is included in the $330-billion deficit?”

Statement grade

76 / 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 75%The ask 18%Positioning 7%

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

Mr. Speaker, Claims · 53 wordsQuebeckers have no reason to take note of the Conservative Party of Canada’s opposition to a transformative project that will create 51,000 jobs, add points to our GDP, ¹and change the game when it comes to mobility in our country, especially between Quebec’s biggest cities, namely Quebec City, Trois-Rivières, Laval, Montreal and Gatineau. The ask · 13 wordsI urge and implore my colleague to get on board with high-speed rail. Positioning · 5 wordsLet us get Canada moving.PositioningPartly on point

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 · 91

1 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.

Praise, blame or attack with no claim, reason or ask in it.What the tags mean “Let us get Canada moving.”Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 46

4 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.

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 “Quebeckers have no reason to take note of the Conservative Party of Canada’s opposition to a transformative project that will create 51,000 jobs, add points to our GDP,”About the Alto project’s merits and the Conservatives’ opposition, not whether its cost is in the deficit figures.
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 change the game when it comes to mobility in our country, especially between Quebec’s biggest cities, namely Quebec City, Trois-Rivières, Laval, Montreal and Gatineau.”Describes the Alto project’s route and benefits, not the deficit arithmetic 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 “I urge and implore my colleague to get on board with high-speed rail.”A call to support the project, not an answer on the deficit figures.
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 “Let us get Canada moving.”A slogan about the project’s value, not an answer on the deficit question.

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“create 51,000 jobs”The transformative project mentioned by the speaker will create 51,000 jobs.search

Analysed on 2026-10-29