Analysis · Question Period answer · beta

Tim Hodgson

Liberal on Taxation 2026-10-28

43 words · 4 sentences · 4 clauses

Replying to Pierre Poilievre (Conservative)

“Mr. Speaker, not only did the Prime Minister not answer the question, but the finance minister did not even seem to hear it. The question was about the 16¢-a-litre diesel and gasoline tax charged at the pump. Now, it is bad enough to tax the Canadian people. It is even worse to force them to pay that money to the United States of America to buy U.S. biofuels. While Canadians cannot afford groceries, while they must empty their bank to fill up their tank, why is the Prime Minister forcing them to pay a 16¢-a-litre tax at the pump to Trump?”

Statement grade

B–

Average 72 / 100

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

Procedure 21%Claims 44%The question 35%

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

Mr. Speaker, Procedure · 9 wordsI have some good news for the member opposite.Procedure Claims · 19 wordsCanola prices are up 8% this year.¹ The amended clean fuel regulations will create significant new demand for canola.Vague promise The question · 15 wordsRather than fight against canola farmers, why does he not help us build Canada strong?Partly on point

At a glance

Lost points for
Didn't answerNone of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.
Echo ×4“I have good news for the member opposite.” Said 4 times by 3 members.Every time it was said

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 76

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.

Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business.What the tags mean “I have some good news for the member opposite.”Procedure or throat-clearing: no claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 48

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.

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 “Canola prices are up 8% this year.”About rising canola prices, not why the tax money goes to U.S. biofuels.
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 amended clean fuel regulations will create significant new demand for canola.”About new demand for canola from the regulations, not the cost to drivers or the U.S. imports 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 “Rather than fight against canola farmers, why does he not help us build Canada strong?”A call for the member to support the government rather than an answer to why the tax sends money to the United States.

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 · 62

1 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 “significant new demand”The statement asserts a positive outcome without providing any measurable standard for the demand.

Echo · 1 repeated line

Words members of Parliament keep repeating, found by the same rule for every member. No score depends on it.

“I have good news for the member opposite.”Said 4 times by 3 members.Every time it was said

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“Canola prices are up 8% this year”Canola prices have risen 8% in 2026.search

Analysed on 2026-10-30