Duclos defends measures to lower living costs, such as Bill C-38’s fuel tax suspension, the dental care plan and child care, and backs Bill C-10’s new commissioner for modern treaty implementation. He fills speeches with courtesies before the substance, thanking colleagues for their “generosity, kindness and insight”. His arguments lean on figures, like $2.4 billion in fuel tax relief.Written by AI from their statements. Updated .
Average grade
B–
The average grade of 23 analysed statements. 4 more were analysed but were too short to grade.
74 / 100 over 23 statements
Signal74 / 100
Relevance62 / 100
Respect100 / 100
Clarity95 / 100
Loses points more than most for Greetings and pleasantries.3.3 times as often as most members.What the tags mean →×3.3Thanks and tributes.3 times as often as most members.What the tags mean →×3.0Staying near the subject without addressing the matter at hand: what was asked, or what the bill, motion or speech is about.1.8 times as often as most members.What the tags mean →×1.8Loses points less than most for Praise, blame or attack with no claim, reason or ask in it.Less often than most members.What the tags mean →
Averaged over the 23 of 27 statements graded so far.
“Some members say the government cannot work on trade abroad and help people with the cost of living at home at the same time. I want the member to explain why it is important to do both.”
“Mr. Speaker, I was obviously delighted, as many others were, to listen to one of our newest members of Parliament on this side of the aisle. I listened carefully and heard from her that she believes it is important both to fight for the interests of Canadians and Canada outside of Canada by building more alliances and by diversifying our trade relationships and to fight for the interests of Canadians, especially those who are struggling more with the high cost of living. Why, in her view, is it important to do those two things, especially in the context of what we hear from opposition MPs, who say that the Prime Minister should not try to address both challenges at the same time?”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, I was obviously delighted, as many others were, to listen to one of our newest members of Parliament on this side of the aisle. I listened carefully and heard from her that she believes it is important both to fight for the interests of Canadians and Canada outside of Canada by building more alliances and by diversifying our trade relationships and to fight for the interests of Canadians, especially those who are struggling more with the high cost of living. Why, in her view, is it important to do those two things, especially in the context of what we hear from opposition MPs, who say that the Prime Minister should not try to address both challenges at the same time?
“We need to pass this bill to create an oversight commissioner for modern treaties. Major projects that build a clean economy and create good jobs can only happen if we respect Indigenous rights and work together.”
“Madam Speaker, the member used some deeply meaningful words: transparency, responsibility, accountability, listening and collaboration. All of these are very important if we want to make progress on some of the major projects that the Canadian government is trying to implement. All of these major projects are going to transform our economy, create more, better jobs for our children, young people and others, and lead to a cleaner economy and environment. None of this is possible unless we work respectfully with indigenous peoples and respect their rights specifically. As my colleague mentioned several times today, the purpose of the office of the commissioner for modern treaty implementation is to ensure that the Canadian government has all the tools, including oversight tools, to ensure that its relations with indigenous peoples support other federal initiatives.”
Madam Speaker, the member used some deeply meaningful words: transparency, responsibility, accountability, listening and collaboration. All of these are very important if we want to make progress on some of the major projects that the Canadian government is trying to implement. All of these major projects are going to transform our economy, create more, better jobs for our children, young people and others, and lead to a cleaner economy and environment. None of this is possible unless we work respectfully with indigenous peoples and respect their rights specifically. As my colleague mentioned several times today, the purpose of the office of the commissioner for modern treaty implementation is to ensure that the Canadian government has all the tools, including oversight tools, to ensure that its relations with indigenous peoples support other federal initiatives.
“Indigenous peoples have asked for this commissioner role for 20 years. I want Conservatives to support this bill so we can finally create it.”
“Madam Speaker, our colleague is quite right to mention listening. Listening is key to this bill. Over the last 20 years, many indigenous peoples have asked the Canadian government to create this commissioner role. We must listen to what indigenous peoples are asking us to do if we are to work with them in a spirit of respect. I urge my colleague to encourage his fellow Conservative Party members to move forward. People have been waiting for this office for 20 years. We must now take the next step.”
Madam Speaker, our colleague is quite right to mention listening. Listening is key to this bill. Over the last 20 years, many indigenous peoples have asked the Canadian government to create this commissioner role. We must listen to what indigenous peoples are asking us to do if we are to work with them in a spirit of respect. I urge my colleague to encourage his fellow Conservative Party members to move forward. People have been waiting for this office for 20 years. We must now take the next step.
“I want the House to pass this bill. Modern treaties with Indigenous peoples help us build major energy projects together, like in Quebec with the Cree Nation. This bill helps all of Canada, including future work on Churchill Falls.”
“Madam Speaker, I would like to emphasize the importance and insightfulness of this question, which relates specifically to Quebec and the Quebec City region. I would like to emphasize how important my colleague’s support is, as well as how important his voice is here in the House. He regularly reminds our colleagues in the Conservative Party that this bill will benefit Canada as a whole. In Quebec, for example, people are talking about the extremely important work that will take place in connection with Churchill Falls. One of our colleagues pointed out that signing a modern treaty with the Cree Nation was a game-changer in Quebec, enabling progress on the construction of vital energy and economic infrastructure. I predict, as he probably does, that this sort of example will also help us work effectively with the indigenous peoples who will be partners in the Churchill Falls project.”
Madam Speaker, I would like to emphasize the importance and insightfulness of this question, which relates specifically to Quebec and the Quebec City region. I would like to emphasize how important my colleague’s support is, as well as how important his voice is here in the House. He regularly reminds our colleagues in the Conservative Party that this bill will benefit Canada as a whole. In Quebec, for example, people are talking about the extremely important work that will take place in connection with Churchill Falls. One of our colleagues pointed out that signing a modern treaty with the Cree Nation was a game-changer in Quebec, enabling progress on the construction of vital energy and economic infrastructure. I predict, as he probably does, that this sort of example will also help us work effectively with the indigenous peoples who will be partners in the Churchill Falls project.
“I want the House to pass this bill quickly. It creates an independent commissioner to make sure the government keeps its promises under modern treaties with Indigenous peoples.”
“Madam Speaker, I am very grateful for the opportunity to rise today to speak to Bill C‑10, an act respecting the commissioner for modern treaty implementation. This bill seeks to create a new, independent officer of Parliament. It is a way to hold current and future governments accountable for the commitments made under modern treaties with indigenous peoples across the country. It is because of the need for a more consistent approach to modern treaty implementation that we strongly encourage the swift passage of Bill C‑10. I would like to reiterate that modern treaties are legally binding agreements that recognize the rights, priorities and aspirations of indigenous peoples. They aim to support indigenous self-government, establish better frameworks for economic development and environmental management and protection, and promote cultural vitality. Modern treaty implementation is crucial. While significant progress is being made, there are still opportunities to strengthen this implementation. Modern treaty partners have made it clear that Canada could become an even stronger partner and do more to honour agreements and commitments protected under the Constitution. For many years, indigenous partners have driven home the vital importance of proactive federal action in addressing modern treaty challenges. They are not alone. The Auditor General’s 2003, 2007 and 2015 reports identified similar areas for improvement in the Canadian government’s implementation efforts. One such area of improvement concerns independent oversight and accountability. That is why the bill before us today is so important. The commissioner for modern treaty implementation would be able to help resolve long-standing issues through targeted reports and audits. He or she could also look at specific issues concerning one or more treaties and choose the best path forward. In doing so, the commissioner would highlight opportunities for Canada to strengthen the role of the Canadian government as a treaty partner, which should lead to more sustained federal implementation efforts and improved relationships all around. David Wright, an associate professor at the faculty of law at the University of Calgary, used a very clear analogy before the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs on March 12. The Auditor General is more like a family doctor, a generalist, while the commissioner will be a specialist whose mission will be precisely to diagnose and address the specific effects of modern treaty implementation. That is a powerful analogy. The commissioner will draw on their specific expertise in modern treaties to ensure that reviews and audits are based on a solid understanding of the spirit and intent of those treaties. The commissioner will have their own office, just like the Auditor General and the Privacy Commissioner. They will not be accountable to any specific department or to the Prime Minister, but will report directly to Parliament. This bill will also provide access to analyses and recommendations from independent experts. Furthermore, over the years, in response to feedback from modern treaty partners, successive governments have worked to strengthen the implementation of modern treaties. In 2015, the Government of Canada adopted the cabinet directive on the federal approach to modern treaty implementation. This measure marked the beginning of an important step toward greater transparency and accountability to help overcome systemic barriers in this regard. In 2023, the Canadian government also adopted Canada’s collaborative modern treaty implementation policy. In May 2024, the government announced its intention to create a new officer of Parliament, which I strongly support today. Bill C-10 is a vital means of supporting our relationships with modern treaty partners. We have a duty to uphold our treaty obligations. Bill C-10 responds to more than 20 years of calls for independent oversight and for Canada to act as a stronger partner. This bill is the result of a co-development process and a genuine partnership between our government and modern treaty partners. Modern treaties have the power to strengthen the social, cultural and economic foundations of indigenous communities, thereby fostering more robust local economies, job creation, better infrastructure for everyone and support for clean energy. Currently, 27 modern treaties are in effect with 30 indigenous partners. These agreements cover more than 40% of Canada’s territory, 80% of which is in the northern part of the country. In conclusion, we have come a long way, but there is still more we can do to increase transparency and accountability, and to fully honour our commitments to modern treaty partners. That is why we have drafted this bill and why we are calling for its swift passage. That is why it is so important. This bill demonstrates Canada’s commitment and dedication and represents a step toward a better future for our important modern treaty partners. It is time for the House to show unity. The implementation of modern treaties is a national imperative. Finally, like others have done, I would like to thank all the strong indigenous voices who paved the way for this bill to be introduced in the House. Their leadership inspires us to keep our promises.”
Official Hansard
Madam Speaker, I am very grateful for the opportunity to rise today to speak to Bill C‑10, an act respecting the commissioner for modern treaty implementation. This bill seeks to create a new, independent officer of Parliament. It is a way to hold current and future governments accountable for the commitments made under modern treaties with indigenous peoples across the country. It is because of the need for a more consistent approach to modern treaty implementation that we strongly encourage the swift passage of Bill C‑10. I would like to reiterate that modern treaties are legally binding agreements that recognize the rights, priorities and aspirations of indigenous peoples. They aim to support indigenous self-government, establish better frameworks for economic development and environmental management and protection, and promote cultural vitality. Modern treaty implementation is crucial. While significant progress is being made, there are still opportunities to strengthen this implementation. Modern treaty partners have made it clear that Canada could become an even stronger partner and do more to honour agreements and commitments protected under the Constitution. For many years, indigenous partners have driven home the vital importance of proactive federal action in addressing modern treaty challenges. They are not alone. The Auditor General’s 2003, 2007 and 2015 reports identified similar areas for improvement in the Canadian government’s implementation efforts. One such area of improvement concerns independent oversight and accountability. That is why the bill before us today is so important. The commissioner for modern treaty implementation would be able to help resolve long-standing issues through targeted reports and audits. He or she could also look at specific issues concerning one or more treaties and choose the best path forward. In doing so, the commissioner would highlight opportunities for Canada to strengthen the role of the Canadian government as a treaty partner, which should lead to more sustained federal implementation efforts and improved relationships all around. David Wright, an associate professor at the faculty of law at the University of Calgary, used a very clear analogy before the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs on March 12. The Auditor General is more like a family doctor, a generalist, while the commissioner will be a specialist whose mission will be precisely to diagnose and address the specific effects of modern treaty implementation. That is a powerful analogy. The commissioner will draw on their specific expertise in modern treaties to ensure that reviews and audits are based on a solid understanding of the spirit and intent of those treaties. The commissioner will have their own office, just like the Auditor General and the Privacy Commissioner. They will not be accountable to any specific department or to the Prime Minister, but will report directly to Parliament. This bill will also provide access to analyses and recommendations from independent experts. Furthermore, over the years, in response to feedback from modern treaty partners, successive governments have worked to strengthen the implementation of modern treaties. In 2015, the Government of Canada adopted the cabinet directive on the federal approach to modern treaty implementation. This measure marked the beginning of an important step toward greater transparency and accountability to help overcome systemic barriers in this regard. In 2023, the Canadian government also adopted Canada’s collaborative modern treaty implementation policy. In May 2024, the government announced its intention to create a new officer of Parliament, which I strongly support today. Bill C-10 is a vital means of supporting our relationships with modern treaty partners. We have a duty to uphold our treaty obligations. Bill C-10 responds to more than 20 years of calls for independent oversight and for Canada to act as a stronger partner. This bill is the result of a co-development process and a genuine partnership between our government and modern treaty partners. Modern treaties have the power to strengthen the social, cultural and economic foundations of indigenous communities, thereby fostering more robust local economies, job creation, better infrastructure for everyone and support for clean energy. Currently, 27 modern treaties are in effect with 30 indigenous partners. These agreements cover more than 40% of Canada’s territory, 80% of which is in the northern part of the country. In conclusion, we have come a long way, but there is still more we can do to increase transparency and accountability, and to fully honour our commitments to modern treaty partners. That is why we have drafted this bill and why we are calling for its swift passage. That is why it is so important. This bill demonstrates Canada’s commitment and dedication and represents a step toward a better future for our important modern treaty partners. It is time for the House to show unity. The implementation of modern treaties is a national imperative. Finally, like others have done, I would like to thank all the strong indigenous voices who paved the way for this bill to be introduced in the House. Their leadership inspires us to keep our promises.
“A quarter million people in the Quebec City region are now covered by the federal dental care plan, saving them about $900 a year. We are also spending nearly $4 million on dental programs at Laval University to help local clinics and underserved areas.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the 250,000 residents of the greater Quebec City and Chaudière-Appalaches region who are now covered by the new Canadian dental care plan, helping them to save an average of $900 a year on the cost of dental care. I would also like to congratulate the staff and students of the faculty of dentistry at Laval University, who will be using an additional investment of nearly $4 million to further improve access to dental care in our beautiful region. This investment will fund new placements in social dentistry at the SPOT clinic in Quebec City’s lower town, as well as at a new clinic on the south shore. It will also mean placements can be offered in private practices located in underserved areas of the greater Quebec City region. I would like to once again thank and congratulate all the partners involved in this important project.”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the 250,000 residents of the greater Quebec City and Chaudière-Appalaches region who are now covered by the new Canadian dental care plan, helping them to save an average of $900 a year on the cost of dental care. I would also like to congratulate the staff and students of the faculty of dentistry at Laval University, who will be using an additional investment of nearly $4 million to further improve access to dental care in our beautiful region. This investment will fund new placements in social dentistry at the SPOT clinic in Quebec City’s lower town, as well as at a new clinic on the south shore. It will also mean placements can be offered in private practices located in underserved areas of the greater Quebec City region. I would like to once again thank and congratulate all the partners involved in this important project.
“My colleague agreed that we must invest in Canada and Quebec to grow the economy and create jobs. But he says Canada cannot do this properly under good rules. Why does he doubt that Canada can do as well as other countries?”
“Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have heard my colleague’s views. He emphasized the importance of investing in Canada and Quebec to grow our economy and create more and better jobs. He really emphasized investment and the importance of investment. However, he concluded by saying that Canada, unlike other countries around the world, would be unable to do this properly while following appropriate rules of governance. Why is he so skeptical about Canada’s ability to perform as well as other countries?”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have heard my colleague’s views. He emphasized the importance of investing in Canada and Quebec to grow our economy and create more and better jobs. He really emphasized investment and the importance of investment. However, he concluded by saying that Canada, unlike other countries around the world, would be unable to do this properly while following appropriate rules of governance. Why is he so skeptical about Canada’s ability to perform as well as other countries?
