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.
Government Orders
“I want to cheer for past cooperation in committees. I don't think any of that will change now. I want to argue that we are keeping the same rules and traditions that worked before, so using the current House composition in committees is the democratic way to get things done.”
“I assert that the rules, traditions and conventions which formed over the years are enough evidence that we have built a good country. I think people want us to continue along the path proposed by the government.”
“I want you to agree that our traditions and democracy are very, very important. The real traditions and democracy I mean are passing what we want and getting on with our plan.”
“I'm filling time with kind words about democracy and tradition. I'm not actually answering whether changing the rules fits those nice words.”
“I'm filling time with process words like 'reasonably simple' and 'different perspectives', plus some parliament jargon. The real message is: 'We want committee seats set our way, no more debate, so we can get back to controlling things already.'”
“I'm filling time by reeling off some substance-free talking points about how many big problems my party is bravely tackling all at once. The specifics don't actually matter -- I just want the Liberals to come off as serious problem-solvers. And my real message is that any Conservative MP thinking of crossing the floor to our side is welcome. I'm spinning that as us being the positive, can-do team... without saying anything too concrete.”
“I want to make a big showy speech about our finest traditions. I'm speaking very seriously so everyone knows this is important. If I talk a lot about respecting precedent and upholding our institutions, maybe it will make people forget I'm actually advancing a proposal to change those traditions and precedents so my party gets a bigger majority on committees than we actually won in the House. I'm glossing over that part.”
“I want you to ignore that the other party's amendment would actually keep committees representative and let them scrutinize us. I'll just say it offends Westminster tradition and all committees are equal. I'll even praise that their rights and powers are still intact. That should get you off this topic.”
“I want to agree with my friend that our situation is unusual. A government changing status during its mandate is highly unusual. I'm saying we couldn't find any comparable examples. I'm implying that what's happening now is justified because our situation is so unusual.”
“I don't like your accusation that we stole a majority. Many Canadians agree with our agenda. The government must move quickly to insulate Canada against world events and trade shocks. We are strong and resolute leaders who are there for Canadians and their jobs. The government should keep controlling and directing the economy.”
“My government won more seats, so we should get more power everywhere else too. Precedent says a majority government gets to dominate every part of Parliament. That's the rule we always use.”
“I want to stop debate and pass Government Business No. 9 now.”
Oral Questions
“I want to use a special rule to stop you from delaying this bill.”
Oral Questions
“We put some union leaders on the advisory council. I visited a steel mill recently. Our government will keep the steel industry going.”
Oral Questions
“We're ready to make a deal with the U.S. But not just any deal - one that's good for Canada. Unlike the Conservatives, who just want us to take whatever we can get.”
Oral Questions
“That makes me sad. The government should keep talking to make workers come.”
Oral Questions
“The Prime Minister followed the rules. I want to attack the other party's leader instead of saying more about our own.”
Oral Questions
“I want taxpayers to spend more money and the government to take credit for jobs. The government will spend more money on programs in Quebec. We will keep spending to stay popular.”
“I'm excited that government spending will create jobs in Quebec. A new mine and shipyard will be great! Canadians, you will all see lower costs if you keep supporting us.”
Oral Questions
“You talk about spending cuts. But I won't say what spending I want to cut. I just want to make you look bad. Do you want to cancel these popular programs? Go ahead, say it out loud.”
