Analysis · Debate reply · beta

Costas Menegakis

Conservative on Medical Assistance in Dying Safeguards Act 2026-10-30

137 words · 7 sentences · 9 clauses

Replying to Judy A. Sgro (Liberal)

“Mr. Speaker, a lot of thought went into my colleague’s comments. I think we all share the same objectives, which is why this particular legislation is being brought forward, so that at this particular time, people who are suffering from mental illness would not have access to MAID. Part of the additions in this proposed legislation are to make sure there are other areas where we can put in further protections for people. None of us want to see anybody denied their rights as a Canadian. We want to ensure they not only have the maximum amount of protection necessary, but also receive the services. In the last couple of years, there has been a lot of emphasis put on mental health, finally. A lot of funds have gone to the provinces. A lot more help is available, but it is still not enough. I would hope that people suffering from mental illness would not have to look to MAID any time, not now or ever in the future, because they could get access to the kind of health care they need. I would like my colleague to comment on what he thinks is adequate health care when it comes to mental health.”

Statement grade

B+

Average 81 / 100

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

Thanks 5%Claims 12%Procedure 7%Reasoning 64%Positioning 12%

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

Mr. Speaker, Thanks · 7 wordsthe hon. member’s question was very thoughtful.Thanks Claims · 17 wordsWe welcome the exclusion of mental illness as the sole underlying condition, ¹but serious questions still remain. Procedure · 9 wordsThat addresses the first part of the member’s question.Procedure Reasoning · 68 wordsOn the second part, I think it is incumbent upon the government, and upon all of us as legislators, to ensure the proper health professionals, social services and housing, all of the issues that are important to fundamental dignity and life for all Canadians, are available to them.Vague promise We need to focus on improving those services rather than having an easy out where someone can opt for MAID. Positioning · 16 wordsWe are playing with a very deep moral, ethical and, in some cases, religious issue here.PositioningPartly on point Reasoning · 20 wordsIt is much more important that we focus on providing adequate services to people rather than legislation such as this.

At a glance

Lost points for

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 70

3 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.

Thanks and tributes.What the tags mean “the hon. member’s question was very thoughtful.”Thanks: no claim, reason or ask.
Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business.What the tags mean “That addresses the first part of the member’s question.”Procedure or throat-clearing: no claim, reason or ask.
Praise, blame or attack with no claim, reason or ask in it.What the tags mean “We are playing with a very deep moral, ethical and, in some cases, religious issue here.”Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · 91

1 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 point put to the member, and the bill 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 “We are playing with a very deep moral, ethical and, in some cases, religious issue here.”Discusses the general moral gravity of the MAID issue, which relates to the context but does not define adequate health care.

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 · 64

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 “to ensure the proper health professionals, social services and housing, all of the issues that are important to fundamental dignity and life for all Canadians, are available to them”The speaker commits to ensuring services are available without naming specific measures, timelines, or funding allocations.

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“the exclusion of mental illness as the sole underlying condition”Bill C-41 excludes mental illness as a sole underlying condition for eligibility for medical assistance in dying.search

Analysed on 2026-10-31