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Wednesday, November 14, 2007 · sitting No. 16
Commons presses Harper on Mulroney inquiry scope
Oral questions on the proposed public inquiry into the Mulroney-Schreiber affair consumed the largest share of the sitting. Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion pressed Prime Minister Stephen Harper to ensure the inquiry would examine the actions of the current government and its justice department. Harper replied that independent adviser David Johnston would set the terms of reference and that the government would follow his recommendations.
Question period also featured exchanges on the treatment of Afghan detainees. Bloc Québécois Leader Gilles Duceppe and MP Claude Bachand cited Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s statements about torture and urged an end to transfers. Harper and Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Bernier said a new monitoring agreement with Afghanistan was working and that Canada was meeting its international obligations.
Decided that day
- Ways and Means motion to implement budget provisions passed
- Opposition motion urging immediate government action failed
From the Hansard record of the sitting. Full Hansard
No CPAC Question Period upload is on file for this day. CPAC’s channel goes back to December 2019.
Who held the floor · 2007-11-14
66Budget motion passes, Airbus debate lingersThe House passed one budget motion and introduced three bills while devoting most time to Airbus and elections issues. Question period yielded few direct answers and eight calls to order interrupted proceedings.AI-rated Score out of 100; the verdict and the answer ratings behind it are a model’s reading. How the AI rates this
AI-rated The sitting score and the rating of each answer come from a language model reading Hansard. How the AI rates this
Other moments
Canada Elections Act
Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon opened second reading debate on Bill C-6, which would require visual identification of voters. NDP MP Paul Dewar asked whether the government had consulted diverse communities beyond the procedure committee.
Read the exchangeElectoral Representation
Bloc Québécois MP Pierre Paquette accused the government of seeking to dilute Quebec’s seats in the House. Conservative MP James Moore replied that the forthcoming bill would protect Quebec’s existing 75 seats.
Read the exchangeVeterans Affairs
Conservative MP Bev Shipley asked Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson about the case of Annie MacKenzie. Thompson said officials had contacted the family and would reach a fair settlement.
Read the exchangeYouth Criminal Justice Act
Conservative MP Mike Lake moved second reading of his private member’s bill to expand substance-abuse treatment options for young offenders. Liberal MP Colleen Beaumier spoke in support of the principle.
Read the exchangePublic Safety
Bloc Québécois MP Serge Ménard urged the government to coordinate action against contraband cigarettes. Conservative MP Dave MacKenzie said additional resources had been given to border agencies.
Read the exchangeQuestion 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
- deflectedAirbusStéphane Dion (Liberal) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.The answer promotes the independent review without addressing whether the inquiry will cover the PM's actions.
the terms of reference for the public inquiry will be drafted by an independent third party.
- deflectedAirbusStéphane Dion (Liberal) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). loaded question.Denies allegations without explaining roles or why wait.
these allegations are completely false and unfounded.
- misdirectedAirbusStéphane Dion (Liberal) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.Ends with a jab at the asker's government instead of committing.
the events in question did not occur under this government but that some of them did in fact occur under the government of which he was a member.
- deflectedAirbusRobert Thibault (Liberal) asked Rob Nicholson (Conservative). loaded question.Avoids specifics by general statement on RCMP.
any criminal investigations are carried out by the RCMP without interference from the government--or at least this government.
- deflectedAirbusRobert Thibault (Liberal) asked Rob Nicholson (Conservative). substantive question.Ignores the specific quote and questions about orders.
With the appointment of Dr. Johnston and the mandate that he has been given, I think Canadians will appreciate this openness
- deflectedAfghanistanMr. Gilles Duceppe (Bloc) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.Focuses on agreement without addressing the specific request.
the Government of Canada has a new agreement with the government of Afghanistan to ensure the monitoring of these prisoners.
- deflectedAfghanistanMr. Gilles Duceppe (Bloc) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). loaded question.Repeats that agreement works, ignores the jab.
we have an agreement that works.
- misdirectedAfghanistanMr. Claude Bachand (Bloc) asked Maxime Bernier (Conservative). loaded question.Starts with irrelevant political jab before addressing.
I am pleased that he is here in this House and that he decided to stay with the Bloc Québécois and not join the Parti Québécois, as his colleague from Saint-Lambert did.
- deflectedAfghanistanMr. Claude Bachand (Bloc) asked Maxime Bernier (Conservative). substantive question.The answer defends the existing process without addressing the request to stop transfers.
We have the process in place and the process is going well.
- answeredAirbusJack Layton (NDP) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.Directly states that terms of reference have been released and describes the mandate.
His terms of reference have been released publicly.
- misdirectedAirbusJack Layton (NDP) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.The response attacks the questioner instead of providing information on timelines.
It is clear that this government can answer questions much faster than the NDP leader can ask them.
- deflectedAirbusIrwin Cotler (Liberal) asked Rob Nicholson (Conservative). substantive question.Refuses to comment citing court proceedings rather than addressing the assurance requested.
it would be highly inappropriate to make any comments on a matter that is presently before the courts.
- deflectedAirbusIrwin Cotler (Liberal) asked Rob Nicholson (Conservative). substantive question.Labels it hypothetical and improper to comment on court matters.
the hon. member is asking us to presuppose or he is posing a hypothetical question.
- deflectedAirbusLucienne Robillard (Liberal) asked Rob Nicholson (Conservative). substantive question.Avoids the question about examining files by deferring to Dr. Johnston and court matters.
with respect to the extradition proceedings, again, it would be highly inappropriate to comment.
- deflectedAirbusLucienne Robillard (Liberal) asked Rob Nicholson (Conservative). substantive question.States inability to ensure outcome due to ongoing court matter.
I am not in a position to ensure the outcome of any matter before the court
- partly answeredManufacturing SectorMr. Paul Crête (Bloc) asked Jim Flaherty (Conservative). substantive question.Indicates consideration in future consultations without immediate announcement.
that is something I assure the member that we will consider during the course of the ongoing pre-budget consultations.
- partly answeredForestry SectorMs. Paule Brunelle (Bloc) asked Jim Flaherty (Conservative). substantive question.The answer acknowledges challenges and mentions considering more measures but does not address the specific request for refundable tax credits.
Yes, the accelerated capital cost allowance is also welcome, and, yes, we will consider doing more because these are sectors in the Canadian economy that are suffering disproportionately.
- answeredElectoral RepresentationMr. Pierre Paquette (Bloc) asked Mr. James Moore (Conservative). loaded question.The answer directly states the bill protects Quebec's seats, countering the loaded premise about dilution.
the bill that our Conservative government will introduce today, will protect every one of Quebec's 75 seats in this House.
- deflectedElectoral RepresentationMr. Pierre Paquette (Bloc) asked Mr. James Moore (Conservative). loaded question.The answer restates that the bill protects seats without engaging the demand to withdraw it or address the conflict claim.
The bill protects Quebec's interests.
- misdirectedAirbusScott Brison (Liberal) asked Rob Nicholson (Conservative). substantive question.The answer turns to attacking the asker's past affiliations instead of addressing the recusal request.
the hon. member may be a bit of an expert on that administration.
- misdirectedAirbusScott Brison (Liberal) asked Rob Nicholson (Conservative). substantive question.The answer attacks the Liberal Party on a separate issue rather than addressing the recusal request.
it is a bit much to be getting lectured by the Liberal Party on moral matters.
- deflectedAirbusJudy Sgro (Liberal) asked Rob Nicholson (Conservative). substantive question.The answer describes existing processes without addressing the conflict or stepping aside request.
we have put into place, what I think most reasonable Canadians would agree with, with respect to the allegations made in the civil lawsuit, the appointment of Dr. Johnston and the promise of a public inquiry.
- misdirectedAirbusJudy Sgro (Liberal) asked Rob Nicholson (Conservative). substantive question.The answer attacks the Liberal Party on an unrelated matter instead of addressing the recusal request.
It was clearly illegal, but it does not seem to bother anybody on that side of the House.
- answeredAirbusMr. Joe Comartin (NDP) asked Rob Nicholson (Conservative). substantive question.The answer directly states the matter is before the court and a decision is expected, addressing the adjournment request.
There will be a decision handed down tomorrow and I think we should wait for that decision.
- deflectedAirbusMr. Joe Comartin (NDP) asked Rob Nicholson (Conservative). substantive question.The answer avoids the request by labeling it hypothetical and deferring to an upcoming court ruling.
It would be highly inappropriate to start speculating what the court will rule.
- deflectedAirbusSue Barnes (Liberal) asked Rob Nicholson (Conservative). substantive question.The answer redirects to Dr. Johnston's role without addressing the requested guarantee about donations.
Dr. Johnston, of course, is an outstanding Canadian citizen who has served this country very well in the past, and I think we should put our trust in his recommendations.
- misdirectedAirbusSue Barnes (Liberal) asked Rob Nicholson (Conservative). substantive question.The response attacks the Liberal Party with a witch-hunt accusation instead of addressing the donor list request.
I appreciate that the Liberal Party would like to go on a witch hunt, but that is not what a public inquiry would be about.
- deflectedAirbusMr. Scott Simms (Liberal) asked Rob Nicholson (Conservative). substantive question.The answer begins by disclaiming knowledge rather than confirming or denying the declaration.
Mr. Speaker, I do not know who is right--
- misdirectedAirbusMr. Scott Simms (Liberal) asked Rob Nicholson (Conservative). substantive question.The answer attacks the Liberal Party and calls their suggestion illegal instead of answering the yes-or-no question.
What he was suggesting yesterday was completely illegal. This is why I have made it a point never to accept advice from the Liberal Party.
- partly answeredPublic SafetyMr. Serge Ménard (Bloc) asked Mr. Dave MacKenzie (Conservative). substantive question.The answer notes border funding and seizures but does not commit to directing the RCMP on contraband cigarettes.
the government does take our border security very seriously.
- deflectedPublic SafetyMr. Serge Ménard (Bloc) asked Mr. Dave MacKenzie (Conservative). substantive question.The answer describes existing teams and resources without addressing the request to chair a ministerial committee.
We do have an integrated border enforcement team that works along the borders.
- deflectedAirbusMr. Mark Holland (Liberal) asked Rob Nicholson (Conservative). substantive question.The answer refers to a prior statement and the inquiry process while excluding Liberals from reasonable Canadians.
I think that is what is expected by Canadians.
- deflectedAirbusMr. Pat Martin (NDP) asked Rob Nicholson (Conservative). loaded question.The answer refuses to address the specific questions about Liberal ties and instead points to an ongoing process.
I would not presume to answer for the Liberals.
- misdirectedAirbusMr. Pat Martin (NDP) asked Rob Nicholson (Conservative). loaded question.The answer attacks the NDP's attitude rather than addressing the request for a guarantee on committee conduct.
The members of the NDP are never happy.
- answeredGovernment AppointmentsMr. Mark Holland (Liberal) asked John Baird (Conservative). substantive question.The answer directly responds to the yes/no question about a meeting.
- deflectedAirbusMr. Todd Russell (Liberal) asked Rob Nicholson (Conservative). loaded question.The answer ignores the specific questions about attendees and discussions and redirects to the inquiry process.
the government has acted with responsibility and has put in process a scheme that I think will work
- deflectedCanada Border Services AgencyMs. Meili Faille (Bloc) asked Mr. Dave MacKenzie (Conservative). substantive question.The answer discusses general border compliance but does not address measures to prevent unauthorized charges.
The Government of Canada has no plans to change that current law.
- partly answeredAutomotive IndustryMrs. Irene Mathyssen (NDP) asked Jim Prentice (Conservative). substantive question.The answer addresses government actions on industry issues but avoids any commitment on the Korean free trade agreement.
we continue to work with the automotive industry in dealing with those issues which the government can control.
- answeredPoints of OrderMr. Joe Comartin (NDP) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.The answer directly agrees to table the requested documents.