Translate Politics Parliament in plain language.

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT

Wayne Long

Liberal Saint John—Kennebecasis 91 statements translated

Follow by RSS

Long defends affordability measures and CRA service: a groceries and essentials benefit he says lifts 77,000 Canadians out of poverty, a paused fuel excise tax worth 10¢ a litre, and lower call times at the agency. He argues mainly by belittling opponents rather than their positions, calling the Conservative leader someone “who has never worked a day outside of this House”, and his promises often come without dates or measures.Written by AI from their statements. Updated .

Average grade
C+
65 / 100 over 83 statements
Signal 62 / 100
Relevance 50 / 100
Respect 98 / 100
Clarity 76 / 100
Loses points more than most for An insult aimed at a person.7.2 times as often as most members.What the tags mean ×7.2 A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.2.7 times as often as most members.What the tags mean ×2.7 Mocking a person instead of answering their argument.2.4 times as often as most members.What the tags mean ×2.4 Loses points less than most for Greetings and pleasantries.Less often than most members.What the tags mean Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business.Less often than most members.What the tags mean A story that illustrates instead of making a point.Less often than most members.What the tags mean Averaged over the 83 of 91 statements graded so far.

Statements 91

Government Orders ·

Government Business No. 12—Proceedings on Bill C-30

In response to a question from John Barlow

“We care about the high cost of food. High prices are a problem worldwide, but world food prices are starting to drop. We are helping Canadians by giving them extra money for groceries and essentials.”
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, of course we are concerned about food affordability. Canadians are concerned with food affordability. For the first time in a long time, world food prices started to drop last month. There has been an affordability issue around the world, and we are stepping up for Canadians at a time when they need it the most. We just launched and announced our groceries and essentials benefit. About a week and a half ago, I was in Halifax to announce the one-time 50% top-up. On this side of the House, we are not about blaming everybody else and throwing our hands up with no concrete solutions. We are here to deliver. We are here to deliver affordability for Canadians, and we are going to do just that.

View on ourcommons.ca Grade B View analysis

In response to a question from John Barlow

“The member has served here for 12 years now. I agree with him that the cost of food is a problem.”

  • Reply to a debate question

    Relevance 100 of 100

    Of this reply, 100% addressed the question or point raised.

    See full analysis
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, that member too came into this great place in 2015. An hon. member: No. Hon. Wayne Long: No? Was it 2014? An hon. member: The last remaining member. Hon. Wayne Long: Well, I stand corrected. You have been over there for 12 years now. Madam Speaker, I would agree with him that food affordability—

View on ourcommons.ca Grade B+ View analysis

In response to a question from Elizabeth May

“We need to move forward with our plans and pass our bills. The opposition wasted thirty hours blocking work in the finance committee. We need to cut taxes, build the economy, and invest in Canadians.”

  • Reply to a debate question

    Clarity 35 of 100

    Much of this statement used imprecise wording, lacked details on timing or responsibility, or made broad claims without support.

    See full analysis

  • A repeated line

    “We are going to build Canada strong.”

    Said 33 times by 14 members since April 24.

    Every time it was said
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, number one, we were elected to do a job for Canadians. Number two, we want to focus on moving our agenda forward; that is important. Number three, what has happened over the last week with respect to the finance committee and the 30 hours of filibuster is not productive. Again, I ask Canadians to tune in to watch it if they can suffer through the filibuster like the members on our side have had to. There comes a point when we have to show leadership, make tough decisions and do what needs to be done for Canadians. We are going to build our economy. We are going to cut taxes. We are going to invest in Canadians. We are going to build major projects. We are going to invest in infrastructure, outer space and defence; you name it. We are going to retool this economy. We are going to restructure this economy, one step and one day at a time, and we are going to build Canada strong.

View on ourcommons.ca Grade C+ View analysis

In response to a question from Laila Goodridge

“We need to stop debating and move forward. Our plan will help the economy and lower costs for Canadians. The Conservatives have delayed this debate for 30 hours, and it is time to get back to work.”

  • Reply to a debate question

    Signal 33 of 100

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

    See full analysis
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, I thank the member opposite for her advocacy on behalf of Canadians, although I do not agree. We are here with an agenda to deliver for Canadians. We are here to rebuild, refocus, diversify our trading partners and build new trade relationships. We are here to deliver affordability for Canadians. We are here to build our economy from coast to coast to coast. We are here for east-west trade, not north-south trade. Maybe it is because of my business background from before I was in this great place, but I think there is a point when we can listen to opposition. Good leadership needs to be challenged, absolutely, but there is also a point when it is not productive any longer. The Conservatives know that. We have had 30 hours of filibuster talking about elephants and everything under the sun. Conservatives know it. Canadians know it. We know it. It is time to move on, and we are going to do just that.

View on ourcommons.ca Grade C View analysis

In response to a question from Marilène Gill

“We need to end the debate and pass this bill. The Conservatives have delayed it for 30 hours, and it helps unions, small craft harbours, and our economy.”
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, it is hard to believe that we are in our 11th year in this great place advocating on behalf of Canadians. We remember the last Parliament. We remember how it was bogged down and obstructed. We could not move forward for Canadians. We could not move forward with legislation. I come from the private sector. I believe good leadership needs to be challenged. There is no question about that, but there comes a point when, after 30 hours of filibuster, somebody has to call it and say we need to move forward, because if we did not have the opportunity to move forward, the Conservatives would absolutely obstruct this legislation and we would not be able to pass the spring economic update, Bill C-30, to deliver for unions, small craft harbours and Canadians. Our Prime Minister was elected over a year ago. He is a world-class diplomat. He is a world-class economic and business leader. He was elected, and we were elected, to build our economy, diversify our economy and deliver for Canadians.

View on ourcommons.ca Grade A View analysis

In response to a question from Bardish Chagger

“The opposition is wasting time trying to delay our work. We were elected to fix the economy, make life more affordable, and pass our budget bill.”
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, we were elected just over a year ago with the mandate to restructure, rebuild, refocus, diversify, build new trading relationships and strengthen our economy to move from reliance to resilience. We have a job to do. Canadians are watching. Again, I ask Canadians from coast to coast to watch the filibuster from last week and to tell me if it is productive or a great use of committee time. It is not. We have a job to do. We have things in the spring economic update, such as billions for unions, the sovereign wealth fund and small craft harbours. The list goes on and on. We are going to focus on Canadians. We are going to focus on delivering affordability, rebuilding and retooling our economy. That is what we are elected to do.

View on ourcommons.ca Grade B View analysis

In response to a question from Tamara Kronis

“Major pension funds want to invest in our country, and we are investing in housing, defence, and building projects. The opposition needs to stop delaying our work so we can build the economy.”

  • Reply to a debate question

    Relevance 46 of 100

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

    See full analysis
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, I also met with the maple eight pension funds. The maple eight pension funds want us to get going to build our economy. They want to invest in Canada. Capital follows its easiest path, and right now, we are building major projects, investing in defence, investing in aerospace, investing in housing and investing in infrastructure. We are here to build an economy that is strong for all Canadians. It is time for that member, and that party, to stop the filibuster. Let us get to work. Let us build Canada.

View on ourcommons.ca Grade B View analysis

In response to a question from Arielle Kayabaga

“The opposition has delayed this bill for 30 hours. We need to stop debating and pass it so we can help the economy.”

  • A repeated line

    “They want us to build Canada strong.”

    Said 3 times by 2 members since May 1.

    Every time it was said
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, the opposition has a role to play in our democracy and in our government. That party has been in opposition going into its 11th straight year now. There comes a point in time when debate has to stop, such as, for example, when members are talking about elephants or when there has been 30 hours of filibuster. We are here to move forward. We are here to build our economy. The spring economic update contains so many things that Canadians want and need. When trade unions call my office and I talk to them about 30 hours of filibuster resulting in programs that cannot move forward, they are upset. They want us to build Canada strong.

View on ourcommons.ca Grade B+ View analysis

In response to a question from Garnett Genuis

“Labour unions support our government, not the opposition. We have spent billions of dollars on the trades and are funding major building projects across the country.”

  • Reply to a debate question

    Relevance 44 of 100

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

    See full analysis
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, that member and I both came to this House in 2015 and have advocated for Canadians since then. However, that member is sadly mistaken when it comes to trade unions and their support for their government. If we look at Canadian Building Trades Unions and the IBEW, and the list goes on and on, they are standing with our government. We announced billions of dollars for trades and retraining. Trade unions stand with our government. The trade unions want to build Canada. Trade unions are totally impressed with the major projects that we are announcing, the projects that we are going to build from coast to coast to coast. If members of the opposition party want to stand up and say they are the party of unions, I think they are sadly mistaken. Unions will speak volumes about that.

View on ourcommons.ca Grade B– View analysis

In response to a question from Ryan Turnbull

“The Conservatives are wasting time to block our budget bill. This bill helps the economy by funding trade unions, a wealth fund, and small craft harbours.”
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, I want to thank the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance for his tremendous leadership in this House and on the finance committee. He is absolutely correct. I would ask Canadians to tune in to ParlVU or CPAC to watch the filibuster that occurred last week, where opposition members were talking about elephants and everything else under the sun. That is not a serious government. That is not serious opposition. We are here to deliver. Our spring economic update contains things that are vital to grow our Canadian economy: billions of dollars for trade unions, a sovereign wealth fund and $1 billion for small craft harbours. The Conservatives are getting in the way. We are here to produce for Canadians.

View on ourcommons.ca Grade B View analysis

In response to a question from Greg McLean

“Canadians keep voting for our government because we lead well. The opposition stays on the other side because they do not offer real solutions.”

  • Reply to a debate question

    Relevance 12 of 100

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

    See full analysis
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, we are here to deliver for Canadians. Again, I have sat on committees. We know when committees are productive and functioning well. Yes, the opposition has a role to play for sure. We should be challenged. I will say that I have been here through the elections of 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2025. We have been in government and are now into our 11th year. Canadians have spoken again. Canadians want real leadership. The members opposite at times wonder why they sit on that side. Some of them have been over there for 11 years or longer. It is because they are not offering viable solutions, a viable government for Canadians. Canadians have spoken.

View on ourcommons.ca Grade D– View analysis

In response to a question from Dave Epp

“Committees do important work, but spending over 30 hours delaying a bill is not productive. Canadians want us to move forward and build a strong economy.”
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, as I said before, I had the privilege of being on committees for over a decade in this place, and so much important work is done by committees. It is vital to our democracy. However, when the committee had over 30 hours of a filibuster last week, that is not productive. The member opposite also talked about the calls, emails and visits to constituency offices. I had some time in my constituency office late Friday afternoon. Canadians want us to move forward. Canadians want us to build our economy strong, and we are going to do just that.

View on ourcommons.ca Grade B+ View analysis

In response to a question from Tamara Kronis

“Conservatives are delaying this bill for other reasons. We were elected to help Canadians with the cost of living and to build the economy, and we plan to do that.”

  • Reply to a debate question

    Relevance 26 of 100

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

    See full analysis

  • Reply to a debate question

    Signal 34 of 100

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

    See full analysis
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, I had the privilege of sitting on committees for almost a decade, and we know when we are moving government committee business forward and when we are not. I know many Conservatives have admitted that the filibuster is not really even about Bill C-30 but about another issue. Again, we were elected on an agenda to provide leadership and affordability to Canadians and to build and retool our economy, and we are going to do just that.

View on ourcommons.ca Grade D+ View analysis

In response to a question from Elizabeth May

“This bill has good things for Canadians, including money for trade unions, small harbours, and a wealth fund. We need to pass it to rebuild our economy.”
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, it is two for two. I respect the member very much, too. She was my seatmate in the last Parliament. The spring economic update contains many great things for Canadians: billions of dollars for trade unions, the sovereign wealth fund and money for small craft harbours. We have an agenda, and we need to deliver for Canadians. We need to rebuild, restructure and retool our economy, and we are going to do just that.

View on ourcommons.ca Grade C+ View analysis

In response to a question from Kelly McCauley

“We need to move forward with this bill to help the economy. The committee has spent almost 30 hours delaying it, and we need to move on.”

  • Reply to a debate question

    Signal 41 of 100

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

    See full analysis
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, I do respect the member opposite, despite the many differences we have. However, we are here to deliver for Canadians. We are here to move our agenda forward, fighting to build our economy for Canadians. In the finance committee, there has been an almost 30-hour filibuster over the last week. We need to move on. We need to move forward for Canadians.

View on ourcommons.ca Grade C+ View analysis
“I want the House to keep debating this and not delay it any further.”
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, in relation to the consideration of Government Business No. 12, I move: That the debate be not further adjourned.

View on ourcommons.ca View analysis

Oral Questions ·

The Economy

In response to a question from Lianne Rood

“Our economy is strong and Canada added 88,000 jobs last month. We are working to build the best economy in the G7, while the Conservative leader offers no real solutions.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 20 of 100

    None of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.

    See full analysis

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Signal 14 of 100

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

    See full analysis

  • A repeated line

    “We are focused on building the strongest economy in the G7.”

    Said 3 times by 2 members since April 30.

    Every time it was said
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, if the leader actually worked in the economy and sat in front of a board of directors, blaming everybody and offering no solutions, he would be fired. Actually, he already was fired, by the former riding of Carleton. On this side of the House, we are focused on building a strong economy. Canada just created 88,000 jobs last month. The fundamentals of our economy are strong. We are focused on building the strongest economy in the G7. The Conservative leader offers nothing but empty parking lot press conferences, rhetoric and slogans.

View on ourcommons.ca Grade D– View analysis

In response to a question from Lianne Rood

“The Conservative leader has no real work experience and offers no solutions for the economy. The Prime Minister has real experience and will make our economy the strongest in the G7.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 0 of 100

    None of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.

    See full analysis

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Respect 75 of 100

    This statement targeted a person rather than their actions or views: “no advice from a leader who has never worked a minute in the economy”.

    See full analysis
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, Canadians are going to take no advice from a leader who has never worked a minute in the economy. He has no practical experience. Those of us who have actually worked in the economy, when we are faced with challenges, have a choice. We can be like the Conservative leader, flail our hands, offer no solutions and blame everybody else, or we can lead. We can make decisions. We can lay a strong foundation for a future strong economy. The Conservative leader has no experience. Our Prime Minister is going to build the strongest economy in the G7.

View on ourcommons.ca Grade F View analysis

Oral Questions ·

Employment

In response to a question from Kristina Tesser Derksen

“Our government started sending out money to help people buy groceries and essentials. This helps families and strengthens the economy, which added 88,000 jobs last month.”

  • A repeated line

    “We are going to build Canada strong.”

    Said 33 times by 14 members since April 24.

    Every time it was said
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, the member for Milton East—Halton Hills South’s question is another great one today. Last week in Halifax, I was proud to announce that the CRA began issuing the top-up groceries and essentials benefit. By introducing that benefit, we are going to build a strong Canada. We are going to support families. We are going to build a strong economy. We see evidence of that with 88,000 jobs created just last month. The glass is half empty; the Conservatives are going to talk down our economy. We are going to build Canada strong.

View on ourcommons.ca Grade B View analysis

Oral Questions ·

The Economy

In response to a question from Tim Uppal

“I announced a one-time payment to help people buy groceries and essentials. Our government is investing in the country and building a strong economy.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 31 of 100

    None of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.

    See full analysis

  • A repeated line

    “We are going to build Canada strong.”

    Said 33 times by 14 members since April 24.

    Every time it was said
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, actually, last Friday in Halifax, I had the honour to announce the one-time top-up payment of the Canada groceries and essentials benefit, which will pay 50% of an annual groceries and essentials benefit return. On this side of the House, we are going to build a strong economy. I know that party loves the glass half empty, but on this side, the glass is half full. Our Prime Minister is building a strong economy for all Canadians. We are going to continue to invest in Canada and build Canada strong.

View on ourcommons.ca Grade C View analysis