“Our government helped farmers by opening trade with Mexico so they can sell potatoes there. Local exporters are excited about this. What does the member think about it?”

“Mr. Speaker, the member’s speech was very informative. Our government has been diversifying to help the agricultural sector. We recently opened trade with Mexico. In particular, potatoes are going to go into Mexico. There are exporters in my riding who are very excited about that. Can the member speak to that?”

“The agriculture minister and the government are doing good work by opening new markets in Mexico for Canadian farm products like potatoes, apples, and beef.”

“Mr. Speaker, I would simply highlight that the Minister of Agriculture, who is from the member’s home province, has been doing great work in Mexico, whether it is with potatoes or other things. In my context, it is apples from the Annapolis Valley, and there is also the beef sector. I say “well done” to the Minister of Agriculture and the government on creating new markets.”

• Didn't answer
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  Relevance 49 of 100

  None of this reply addressed the specific point raised or the topic under debate.

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  Signal 25 of 100

  Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.

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“I want to ask my colleague a question. Would he hurt Quebec's economy just to rush and sign any deal without thinking it through?”

“Mr. Speaker, I listened to my colleague’s wonderful speech. I can see that he is really upset, that he is angry. Here is the question I would like to ask my colleague. Would he be prepared to sacrifice Quebec’s economy in order to hurry up and sign any agreement, without thinking it through?”

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  Question or comment in debate

  Signal 39 of 100

  Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.

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“Our government is giving billions of dollars to support Canadian businesses and protect jobs in industries like steel, copper, aluminum, and lumber. We have supported our workers since we were elected, and we will keep doing it.”

“Mr. Speaker, as a government, we have witnessed a great deal of support, as recently as just the other day when government members talked about the importance of the Business Development Bank of Canada, with $1 billion going toward that. We talked about Canada’s regional development agencies and the role they are going to be playing, with $500 million for that. Whether it is steelworkers, copper workers, the aluminum sector or even, if I would extend it, the lumber industry, we recognize that there are industries in Canada that the Prime Minister, along with every Liberal member of Parliament and, I would like to think, everyone, is concerned about in regard to protecting the interests of workers and protecting our businesses. That is why we are providing those types of supports. It is something that has been ongoing virtually since the last election, when Canadians elected the current Prime Minister. It is not something that has just come up. We will continue to be there for our workers and businesses into the future. It is more of a comment than a question.”

“Our government supports businesses and workers across Canada and in Quebec. We have programs to help with jobs, business loans, and trade. I appreciated this debate.”

“Mr. Speaker, as we wind down the discussion on the opposition day motion, I must say that I appreciate the motion. I have enjoyed the debate today. We are trying to support businesses and workers. It is one of the reasons I have tried to highlight the number of actions the government has taken, and not only the recent ones. I highlighted the Business Development Bank and the regional development agencies. We can talk about the work-sharing programs and some of the bigger holistic approaches we have taken to deal with trade and to expand the opportunities beyond borders. Having the backs of the people of Quebec, and of all of Canada, is critically important to the government, and we will continue to do so. I want to acknowledge that I value the emotion Bloc members have brought today. I have really enjoyed the debate on such an important issue to all Canadians.”

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  Question or comment in debate

  Signal 27 of 100

  Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.

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“I want us to agree to move the clock ahead to 5:52 p.m. so we can start private members' hour.”

“Mr. Speaker, I suspect that if you were to canvass the House, you would find unanimous consent to see the clock at 5:52 p.m so we could begin private members’ hour.”