What the tags mean

Signal

Little substance

Applies to the whole statement

A lot of it went to greetings, procedure, stories or positioning.

“I think the Bloc Québécois has been quite clear.” Marilène Gill, Oct 30

Built from Positioning Aside Anecdote Thanks Greeting Procedure

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Positioning

Applies to a sentence or clause

Praise, blame or attack with no claim, reason or ask in it.

“I cannot think of anyone who is more vulnerable than someone living with an operational stress injury like PTSD after serving our country.” Michael Barrett, Oct 30

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Aside

Applies to a sentence or clause

A remark off to the side of the point.

“Conservatives this Halloween are handing out tricks and calling them treats.” Ryan Turnbull, Oct 30

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Anecdote

Applies to a sentence or clause

A story that illustrates instead of making a point.

“I am blessed to have taken over the family farm back home.” Alex Ruff, Oct 29

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Thanks

Applies to a sentence or clause

Thanks and tributes.

“I want to start my speech by congratulating all members of the House for the debate so far.” Philip Lawrence, Oct 30

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Greeting

Applies to a sentence or clause

Greetings and pleasantries.

“It is great to see you in the chair.” Branden Leslie, Oct 9

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Procedure

Applies to a sentence or clause

Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House's routine business.

“I rise tonight to bring a voice to a deep and painful crisis unfolding in the beautiful riding of Similkameen—South Okanagan—West Kootenay.” Helena Konanz, Oct 29

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Relevance

Didn't answer

Applies to the whole statement

The reply talked around the question it was given instead of answering it.

Gord Johns asked: “With fares facing 30% increases, will the government finally modernize B.C.'s 50-year-old agreement and fairly fund B.C.'s marine highway?” “When it comes to ferries in British Columbia, it is a Crown corporation, BC Ferries, that is regulated by the province.” Mike Kelloway, Oct 9

Built from Off point Partly on pointin a reply to a question

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Off topic

Applies to the whole statement

The statement was about something other than the bill, motion or speech under debate.

In the debate on Safe Social Media Act: “Some of the people who participated in my round tables were public health medical professionals.” Lisa Hepfner, Oct 28

Built from Off point Partly on pointin a speech, question or comment in debate

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Off point

Applies to a sentence or clause

Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.

Scott Anderson asked: “Why will the Liberal government not adopt our Conservative plan to scrap all federal taxes on diesel until at least Canada Day 2027 and give Canadians some relief?” “We have been working hard on housing affordability to bring down rents and the cost to buy a home.” Jennifer McKelvie, Oct 30

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Partly on point

Applies to a sentence or clause

Staying near the subject without addressing the matter at hand: what was asked, or what the bill, motion or speech is about.

Elizabeth May asked: “Can the minister defend that she is looking after the statutory responsibility to protect our parks?” “This transition period will result in adjustments.” Yasir Naqvi, Oct 30

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Answered

Applies to the whole statement

The reply answered the question it was given. Not given for a government answer to a question from its own side.

Scot Davidson asked: “Does she believe there is an affordability crisis in Canada today?” “Yes, Mr. Speaker, there is an affordability crisis.” Heather McPherson, Oct 8

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