Commons opens throne speech debate as opposition targets farm aid shortfalls

Other moments

Question Period, exchange by exchange

AI-rated Each answer’s rating (answered, partly answered, deflected, answered something else) is a model’s reading of the exchange. How the AI rates this

1. deflected
   AgricultureBill Graham (Liberal) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.The answer congratulates the asker and highlights funding released but avoids addressing the five priorities question.The first act of the government was to release three quarters of a billion dollars the previous government had been sitting on that was going directly to farmers.
2. deflected
   AgricultureBill Graham (Liberal) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.The answer discusses past Liberal promises without committing agriculture as a top priority.The former Liberal government promised to do a lot of things, but this government intends to honour its commitments.
3. partly answered
   AgricultureBill Graham (Liberal) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.The answer acknowledges serious problems and promises short-term action but does not commit to immediate funding for seeds this spring.They are going to require short term action on the part of the government with the promises we made in our campaign which will be forthcoming.
4. answered
   Public Works and Government ServicesLucienne Robillard (Liberal) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.The answer directly explains the appointment choice to ensure Montreal representation via the Senate.For that reason, I used the only option available to me and that was to use a seat in the other place.
5. deflected
   Public Works and Government ServicesLucienne Robillard (Liberal) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.The answer shifts to Quebec political views instead of addressing ministerial accountability to the House.Those are Conservative principles.
6. partly answered
   UNESCOMr. Gilles Duceppe (Bloc) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.The answer states negotiations are underway but does not clarify Quebec's exact role or voting rights at UNESCO.We are presently in negotiation with the Government of Quebec.
7. deflected
   UNESCOMr. Gilles Duceppe (Bloc) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.The answer repeats that negotiations are ongoing without specifying if Quebec gets an independent voice or vote.We are very flexible about arrangements.
8. deflected
   UNESCOMs. Francine Lalonde (Bloc) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.The answer contrasts with the prior government and criticizes the Bloc's goals rather than detailing the UNESCO commitment.I am sure that the members of the Bloc will not support such an agreement.
9. deflected
   UNESCOMs. Francine Lalonde (Bloc) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.The answer discusses Quebec's federalist stance and desire for a voice but avoids the specific question on abstaining at UNESCO.It merely seeks to ensure that the province has a voice of its own and a role to play internationally in its areas of jurisdiction.
10. partly answered
    Child CareJack Layton (NDP) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.The answer acknowledges past failures and states the new policy will create spaces but does not commit to stable long-term funding.Ours will ensure that we create real spaces.
11. partly answered
    Child CareJack Layton (NDP) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.The answer describes the government's dual policy but does not address the call for immediate stable funding for day cares.our program will create child care spaces and that we will have the support of the member and his party.
12. misdirected
    AgricultureWayne Easter (Liberal) asked Chuck Strahl (Conservative). substantive question.The answer attacks the previous government's record instead of addressing the request for a debate on immediate cash for farmers.it is no wonder the farmers out front are calling for action from this government because they certainly did not get any from the last government.
13. misdirected
    AgricultureWayne Easter (Liberal) asked Chuck Strahl (Conservative). substantive question.The answer attacks the prior government's record and the asker rather than debating the current shortfall or agreeing to a debate.
14. deflected
    EthicsDominic LeBlanc (Liberal) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.The answer promises a future ethics code but does not address whether the minister will step aside from softwood talks now.they will live by much tougher provisions in the future with the new ethics code that we will be bringing in
15. deflected
    EthicsDominic LeBlanc (Liberal) asked David Emerson (Conservative). loaded question.The answer defends the recusal process and attacks the opposition's consistency instead of addressing the request to step aside.I shake my head at the hypocrisy of the hon. member.
16. deflected
    TaxationMr. Yvan Loubier (Bloc) asked Jim Flaherty (Conservative). substantive question.The answer refers to an upcoming budget paper but does not promise the requested immediate transfer increase.We have indicated that there will be a paper on fiscal imbalance and the issues relating to that delivered with the budget.
17. deflected
    TaxationMr. Yvan Loubier (Bloc) asked Jim Flaherty (Conservative). substantive question.The answer discusses future reports instead of addressing the throne speech omission.There will be lots of reports and lots of opportunity for discussion.
18. partly answered
    AgricultureMr. André Bellavance (Bloc) asked Chuck Strahl (Conservative). substantive question.Acknowledges short-term issues but provides no specific schedule or details.There will be more forthcoming in the days ahead.
19. answered
    AgricultureMr. André Bellavance (Bloc) asked Chuck Strahl (Conservative). substantive question.Clearly states ongoing support for supply management in WTO talks.we will support the supply management system during negotiations at the WTO.
20. deflected
    Child CareCarolyn Bennett (Liberal) asked Diane Finley (Conservative). substantive question.Outlines new program instead of committing to existing agreements.our program does have two parts.
21. deflected
    Child CareCarolyn Bennett (Liberal) asked Diane Finley (Conservative). loaded question.Highlights achievements without addressing specific closures or refusal.we are delivering two times as many dollars for our child care program than the Liberals ever did in 13 years.
22. deflected
    EthicsUjjal Dosanjh (Liberal) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). loaded question.Defends compliance without explaining the appointment choice.the Minister of National Defence has complied with all aspects of the conflict of interest code
23. deflected
    EthicsUjjal Dosanjh (Liberal) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). loaded question.Justifies with needed expertise rather than addressing lobbyist history.it is about time we had a Minister of National Defence who had some background and some knowledge in national defence.
24. misdirected
    Members of ParliamentMr. Pat Martin (NDP) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.Responds with a personal joke instead of addressing floor-crossing policy.I do not think I have ever been accused of seducing anyone, even my wife.
25. deflected
    Members of ParliamentMr. Pat Martin (NDP) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.The answer refuses to commit on floor crossing and instead attacks other parties.the only parties that really have this as an obsession are the parties that no one ever crosses to.
26. deflected
    TaxationJohn McCallum (Liberal) asked Jim Flaherty (Conservative). substantive question.The minister answers about GST cuts rather than the income-tax increase asked about.the proposal is to reduce the GST by a full percentage point.
27. deflected
    TaxationJohn McCallum (Liberal) asked Jim Flaherty (Conservative). substantive question.The reply dodges confirming the tax story and pivots to criticizing the questioner’s past record.I am sure the member opposite will understand that I rarely confirm anything written in the Toronto Star
28. deflected
    Aboriginal AffairsAnita Neville (Liberal) asked Jim Prentice (Conservative). substantive question.The answer ignores the Kelowna accord and funding question, listing unrelated priorities instead.Child care, health care and community safety are concerns I have heard about from aboriginal Canadians in my consultations.
29. partly answered
    Aboriginal AffairsAnita Neville (Liberal) asked Jim Prentice (Conservative). substantive question.The minister explains the two outstanding conditions but does not give a timeline for cheques.At the time of the election two conditions were required to be met: first, the preparation of a final agreement; and second, court approval.
30. answered
    Older WorkersMr. Yves Lessard (Bloc) asked Diane Finley (Conservative). substantive question.The minister directly states there was no campaign commitment and no current plan.we did not campaign on this particular issue.
31. deflected
    Child CareMs. Paule Brunelle (Bloc) asked Diane Finley (Conservative). substantive question.The reply discusses a new national program instead of addressing the $807 million Quebec shortfall.We extended that for a year which shows our commitment to child care.
32. deflected
    Arts and CultureMauril Bélanger (Liberal) asked Bev Oda (Conservative). substantive question.The minister gives a general statement of support without listing any departmental priorities.We are committed to providing the support and the resources that artists and creators need
33. partly answered
    National DefenceMs. Dawn Black (NDP) asked Gordon O'Connor (Conservative). substantive question.The answer addresses awareness of the prior government but defends the agreement without explaining the Netherlands difference.With respect to the second question, this is a more mature arrangement than the Netherlands has.
34. deflected
    National DefenceMs. Dawn Black (NDP) asked Gordon O'Connor (Conservative). substantive question.The answer refuses to redraft and points to the Red Cross without addressing tracking rights or human rights assurances.The Red Cross and the Red Crescent are charged with ensuring that prisoners are not abused.
35. misdirected
    Citizenship and ImmigrationMr. Mario Silva (Liberal) asked Monte Solberg (Conservative). loaded question.The answer attacks the prior government instead of addressing the request for an apology or commitment on undocumented workers.I want to point out that over the last 12 years the previous government continuously promised them all kinds of things that it never delivered on.