MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
MacKinnon is a skilled evader, often filling time with irrelevant flattery and attacks on other parties instead of answering direct questions. He frequently touts his government's spending and infrastructure projects as unqualified successes, while painting opposition as heartless obstructionists. Dwells on Quebec ridings and projects as political cover.
Oral Questions
“I'm filling time by talking up how hard we work. Look at us! We're so busy working for you! We're working hard on a train. The Bloc used to like the train. Now they don't like the train. What gives? They must answer for this! Why don't they like the train now?”
“I want to change the subject. Talking about my party shutting down debate makes us look bad. If I talk about jobs and emissions instead, maybe people will forget about how we're muzzling parliamentarians.”
Oral Questions
“I want to dodge the question and attack the Conservatives. I want voters to see that Conservatives vote against our spending.”
Oral Questions
“I want to distract from the actual criticisms of our policies. The opposition is against everything good, and our leader makes big deals and brings lots of safe, secure jobs.”
Oral Questions
“Why are you attacking Quebec jobs? This big train will create many jobs in Quebec. I want the jobs. The train is very big. It will make us lots of money. You should not give up.”
“You say I'm not doing enough for Europe. But I am! See, I like Europe's high-speed rail. Canada should spend lots of money on high-speed rail too. High-speed rail is good for Quebec. Why doesn't the Bloc want high-speed rail anymore?”
Oral Questions
“I'm going to list a bunch of things and call them all successes. I want you to think we're doing a lot. Don't notice that I didn't actually answer your point about Canada being the only G7 country in a recession right now.”
“My side is good. We give money to people who need help. Your side always votes against our help. You should be ashamed.”
Government Orders
“I want to end by thanking members from all parties who are supporting this bill. I'm sure it will pass with a lot of votes.”
“I want to make it look like I'm very concerned and doing important work. I won't give any specifics, I'll just use vague scary terms like misinformation and deepfakes. It makes me look good to say we all agree on this.”
“I don't want to talk about the question you actually asked. Let me talk about music instead. We tried to change the election system before but people disagreed. I think our democracy is fine. We are making a few tiny changes.”
“The Conservatives are just obstructionists. They're blocking our spending and policing bills. I want those bills to pass. We're working together to change election rules. We all agree on the rules. That makes people trust elections.”
“That's a good question but I want to dodge it. Elections are fair. The inquiry said so. I want to look like I care about digital security and I'm willing to talk more, but everything is fine. No need to worry.”
“Thanks for explaining why this election bill is being rushed through. We're just implementing the recommendations that we're given after each election.”
“Canada already has very strict donation limits and corporations and unions can't donate. But people might use crypto to get around the rules. This bill will stop that.”
“I too think the old musician is Good. Ignore this useless padding and take pity on me.”
“There is already a law for deciding how many seats each riding gets. Stop complaining. Riders in big ridings have to work harder. It's a challenge but it's fine.”
“I'm filling time by naming a past protection that doesn't really answer your question. I don't want to be pinned down on whether to add even more ridings or whether that's necessary.”
“I'm saying that MPs are working hard and cooperating on this bill. The opposition parties helped improve the bill. I want Canadians to see Parliament agreeing on something.”
“I want to pass many crime bills. I want to protect victims and children. The opposition is being creative to obstruct these bills. The opposition voted against prolonging House hours to get more done for Canadians. I think that's intriguing.”
