Oral Questions
The Economy
“I don't want to answer your question. I want to bring up unrelated spending to distract from it.”
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
Hon. Steven MacKinnon
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.
“I don't want to answer that. Let me mention some Canadians are sad about other things instead. Maybe it will distract you from the recession.”
Oral Questions
Forestry Industry
“We'll be there for the forestry industry just like we were for other industries. But right now the Prime Minister is visiting Quebec to announce billions in infrastructure spending.”
Oral Questions
The Economy
“There are problems, sure, but we have a plan. We're spending money on it. Businesses are buying things. You know what we don't have? The opposition's plan. I'd rather talk about that.”
Oral Questions
Budget 2025 Implementation Act, No. 2
“I'm filling time. I want the government to control how long we debate a bill I like.”
Oral Questions
The Economy
“I want to dismiss that concern as absurd. I think I should change the subject to foreign events instead of our own choices. Everyone should know our government has a plan.”
Oral Questions
Public Safety
“You say you want to fight crime. But you blocked my bills. So it's your fault.”
Oral Questions
Rail Transportation
“That other program will still exist. I promise I'm popular and Canadians should be proud. I'll say words like 'utmost sensitivity' so you trust me to always protect the environment and farms.”
“I want to cheer for a program that spends money. I don't like that the other party doesn't cheer too. Everything is fine. The minister did nothing wrong.”
Oral Questions
The Economy
“I want the other party to stop pointing out economic problems. The government has plans to spend a lot of money. Join us and spend more!”
Oral Questions
Justice
“I want to talk about something else. The real election is far away. Quebec separation is far away. Quebec separation would be very bad.”
“I don't want to answer your point about rules and self-determination. Let me change the subject to all the ways the government claims it is helping Quebec's economy.”
Oral Questions
Public Safety
“I want the government to spend more on gun control programs. Why won't you support my plan to spend more? I am taking action. You keep getting in my way. Shame on you.”
Oral Questions
Air Transportation
“I'll say nice things about caring and listening. That avoids answering the question or taking a clear stand.”
Oral Questions
Canadian Identity and Culture
“There is no tax. Anyone who says there is a tax is wrong. We want the CBC and cultural industries to have more money. The other parties don't care about Canadian culture.”
Oral Questions
Foreign Investment
“I want to make the Conservatives look bad. I say their questions prove we are doing well. I say we will build planes and mines. I say that proves investment is fine.”
Oral Questions
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“That's bad. The other guy is a bad person. We have to spend more to help vulnerable people. That makes me look good.”
“You got me. I don't want to talk about our policy's actual effects. I'll just keep saying 'criminals should be prosecuted' until this uncomfortable moment passes.”
Oral Questions
The Economy
“The Conservatives claim our spending is causing problems. But people need these programs! They have no plan, they just oppose everything we do.”
Oral Questions
Government Priorities
“The Prime Minister spending a lot of taxpayer money on fancy trips is good. He brings back jobs and money for Canada. His expenses don't matter because he does good things.”