Analysis · Question Period answer · beta

Steven MacKinnon

Liberal on International Trade 2026-10-29

59 words · 3 sentences · 5 clauses

Replying to Pierre Poilievre (Conservative)

“Mr. Speaker, while Canadians can no longer afford food or housing, the Prime Minister tried to divert their attention with his grand plan to become an associate member of the European Union. No one knows what that means, and the Europeans rejected it yesterday. We already have a free trade agreement with Europe, but nine countries have not ratified it. Does the Prime Minister promise to get them to ratify the agreement, or is this summit just for show?”

Statement grade

B–

70 / 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 100%

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

Mr. Speaker, Claims · 59 wordswe are delighted to have the Prime Minister, Off pointas well as many of my colleagues, in Montreal today for our annual meeting with European Union leaders.¹ We will explore a wide range of opportunities for collaboration beyond the free trade agreement we have already negotiated.²Vague promise Canada needs to diversify its markets, and that is exactly what we are doing.Partly 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 · 100

0 of 6 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 · 40

5 of 6 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 “we are delighted to have the Prime Minister,”Expresses pleasure at the Prime Minister’s attendance, not the ratification 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 “as well as many of my colleagues, in Montreal today for our annual meeting with European Union leaders.”Confirms the summit is taking place, without addressing ratification or whether the summit is for show.
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 explore a wide range of opportunities for collaboration beyond the free trade agreement we have already negotiated.”Speaks of exploring collaboration beyond the existing trade agreement, not of pursuing ratification by the nine countries.
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 “Canada needs to diversify its markets,”About the need to diversify markets generally, not the ratification commitment asked for.
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 that is exactly what we are doing.”Asserts market diversification is under way, without answering whether the agreement will be ratified.

Respect · 100

0 of 6 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 · 64

1 of 6 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 “We will explore a wide range of opportunities”The commitment names no actor, date, measure or success condition beyond exploring.

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“in Montreal today for our annual meeting with European Union leaders”The Canadian government’s annual meeting with European Union leaders was held in Montreal on October 29, 2026, with the Prime Minister attending.search
2“the free trade agreement we have already negotiated”Canada has already negotiated a free trade agreement with the European Union.search

Analysed on 2026-10-31