Commons resumes throne speech debate as economy dominates question period

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
   The EconomyStéphane Dion (Liberal) asked Jim Flaherty (Conservative). rhetorical question.The answer states general intentions without addressing the asked contradiction on deficit language.We will do what is necessary, Mr. Speaker, to protect Canadian families, individuals and businesses so they have the necessary credit available to them, so they can invest and re-invest and so we can protect the safety and security of Canadian families.
2. deflected
   The EconomyStéphane Dion (Liberal) asked Jim Flaherty (Conservative). substantive question.The answer discusses global slowdown and past actions but does not clarify when the deficit was known.we have gone through a period of protracted economic slowdown.
3. misdirected
   The EconomyStéphane Dion (Liberal) asked Jim Flaherty (Conservative). loaded question.The answer attacks the questioner by citing a colleague instead of addressing the recession and deficit contradictions.He ought to take the advice of the expert on deficits in his own caucus, the member for Toronto Centre , who said, "if we have a deficit now, at the federal level, is that going to be the personal fault of the Prime Minister?
4. deflected
   The EconomyScott Brison (Liberal) asked Jim Flaherty (Conservative). substantive question.The answer defers to Thursday and lists past measures without confirming if new action will be provided.there are certain actions that will be announced on Thursday.
5. misdirected
   The EconomyScott Brison (Liberal) asked Jim Flaherty (Conservative). loaded question.The answer attacks the asker for talking down the economy and personal travel instead of addressing job support plans.About travel expenses, I am sure he read about that as he flew business class back to his riding last Friday.
6. partly answered
   The EconomyMr. Gilles Duceppe (Bloc) asked Jim Flaherty (Conservative). substantive question.The answer acknowledges the downturn severity and thanks for suggestions but does not explain the election urgency versus current action timing.no one in the world predicted the kind of economic downturn and the severity and depth of the economic downturn that we have experienced in the last 12 weeks.
7. deflected
   The EconomyMr. Gilles Duceppe (Bloc) asked Jim Flaherty (Conservative). substantive question.The answer defers details to Thursday and references past votes instead of outlining new proposals.that will be on Thursday at four o'clock of course.
8. answered
   The EconomyMr. Jean-Yves Laforest (Bloc) asked Jim Flaherty (Conservative). substantive question.The answer directly states that all suggestions including the fund will be reviewed for budget 2009.We will review all suggestions as we prepare budget 2009.
9. deflected
   The EconomyMr. Jean-Yves Laforest (Bloc) asked Jim Flaherty (Conservative). substantive question.The answer discusses general S&T spending and tax cuts without addressing the specific program cuts or expansion.our government has made record expenditures in the area of science and technology.
10. misdirected
    The EconomyJack Layton (NDP) asked Jim Flaherty (Conservative). substantive question.The answer attacks the questioner's past votes instead of addressing the call for immediate stimulus action.Where was he when we were voting on the GST reduction to leave more money in the hands of Canadian families?
11. deflected
    The EconomyJack Layton (NDP) asked Jim Flaherty (Conservative). substantive question.The answer repeats past tax measures and urges a vote rather than addressing future job losses or EI issues.The GST reduction is permanent. The income tax reductions are permanent.
12. misdirected
    The EconomyJack Layton (NDP) asked Jim Flaherty (Conservative). substantive question.The answer defends past actions and accuses the asker of bad-mouthing Canada instead of providing a current plan.I call on the hon. member to stand up for Canada and stop bad-mouthing Canada.
13. partly answered
    Forestry IndustryHedy Fry (Liberal) asked Lisa Raitt (Conservative). substantive question.The answer outlines a general strategy for forestry but does not address the missing three-year-old plan for B.C.Through the forest industry long-term competitive strategy, we are supporting innovation, we are supporting new markets, and we are creating jobs.
14. deflected
    Forestry IndustryHedy Fry (Liberal) asked Lisa Raitt (Conservative). substantive question.The answer cites a mayor's quote on one trust fund without addressing the pine beetle funding shortfall or promised redevelopment money.We are pleased to receive these funds, and they will provide both an excellent employment opportunity and the community will benefit from the improvements provided by these projects.
15. misdirected
    Automotive IndustryMr. Andrew Kania (Liberal) asked Tony Clement (Conservative). substantive question.The answer defends prior actions then pivots to attacking the Liberal carbon tax instead of addressing the delayed auto plan.I find it passing strange that the hon. member's own party in the last election wanted to impose a carbon tax on people in this country.
16. deflected
    Automotive IndustryMr. Andrew Kania (Liberal) asked Tony Clement (Conservative). substantive question.The answer criticizes the opposition's approach and emphasizes accountability without providing concrete auto measures.on this side of the House we want real, accountable, solid business plans before we spend taxpayers' money.
17. deflected
    Employment InsuranceMr. Yves Lessard (Bloc) asked Diane Finley (Conservative). substantive question.The minister explains the purpose of the waiting period but avoids committing to its elimination.This is necessary to ensure the integrity of the system.
18. partly answered
    Older WorkersMrs. Josée Beaudin (Bloc) asked Diane Finley (Conservative). loaded question.Responds about existing program success but sidesteps the request for a new income support program.The program was very successful: last year, most of the workers rehired in the Quebec labour market were older workers.
19. partly answered
    Social HousingMr. Christian Ouellet (Bloc) asked Diane Finley (Conservative). substantive question.Acknowledges suggestions and states current spending levels without promising new actions.We are now spending more money on the homeless and on affordable housing than any previous government.
20. deflected
    Renovation IndustryMs. Paule Brunelle (Bloc) asked Diane Finley (Conservative). substantive question.Thanks the opposition and says suggestions will be considered without specific commitment.We will consider all the suggestions that are proposed.
21. partly answered
    Aerospace IndustryMr. Marc Garneau (Liberal) asked Tony Clement (Conservative). substantive question.Points to announced programs but does not specify new actions or timeline for a comprehensive plan.Our government has announced a special program for the aeronautics industry.
22. answered
    Aerospace IndustryMr. Marc Garneau (Liberal) asked Tony Clement (Conservative). substantive question.Provides details on investments and results supporting the industry.To date, Lockheed Martin has announced more than $600 million in spending in Quebec.
23. deflected
    The EconomyMs. Yasmin Ratansi (Liberal) asked Jim Flaherty (Conservative). substantive question.Describes the expenditure management system but fails to define non-core assets or provide an example.We are looking at every expenditure, every program, every initiative of the Government of Canada and the Government of Canada's agencies.
24. misdirected
    The EconomyMs. Yasmin Ratansi (Liberal) asked Jim Flaherty (Conservative). loaded question.Responds by criticizing the previous Liberal government's spending rather than addressing the current policy.In the last year when the Liberals were the government, 2004-05, they increased spending by 14.5%.
25. deflected
    Aboriginal AffairsMr. Charlie Angus (NDP) asked Chuck Strahl (Conservative). substantive question.The answer avoids committing to attendance and pivots to unrelated policy achievements.unfortunately, that conference, which I am pleased to see taking place, is taking place while the House is sitting, so it is kind of difficult for me to be there.
26. misdirected
    Aboriginal AffairsMr. Charlie Angus (NDP) asked Chuck Strahl (Conservative). substantive question.The response pivots to questioning the asker about throne speech support instead of addressing negotiations.The question I have for that member at the other end of the House is: Will he support the throne speech because it is about education for aboriginal people?
27. deflected
    The EnvironmentMr. Bernard Bigras (Bloc) asked Jim Prentice (Conservative). substantive question.The answer ignores Kyoto mechanisms and shifts to general statements on renewable energy.Canadians want our country to lead the way in the fight against climate change, and renewable energy sources are key to such efforts.
28. deflected
    The EnvironmentMr. Bernard Bigras (Bloc) asked Jim Prentice (Conservative). substantive question.The answer avoids the ecoAuto program and pivots to unrelated throne speech targets on energy sources.In that context, geothermal energy, hydroelectric energy, solar energy and biomass energy are all important, as are the major technological changes that we need to make in terms of things such as carbon capture and storage which we are working on.
29. answered
    AfghanistanUjjal Dosanjh (Liberal) asked Peter MacKay (Conservative). substantive question.The answer directly confirms both questions with yes and provides supporting details on progress.The answer to the member's questions is yes and yes.
30. partly answered
    AfghanistanUjjal Dosanjh (Liberal) asked Peter MacKay (Conservative). substantive question.The answer addresses the detainee issue but deflects on naming the specific country adding troops.picking up on his latter question, nothing could be further from the truth.
31. deflected
    FinanceMr. Glenn Thibeault (NDP) asked Jim Flaherty (Conservative). substantive question.The answer avoids addressing the rate hike and instead promotes shopping around for rates.I encourage Canadians to shop around for the most favourable interest rate.
32. misdirected
    FinanceMr. Glenn Thibeault (NDP) asked Jim Flaherty (Conservative). substantive question.The response attacks the NDP and avoids addressing bank profits or consumer protection.I know an NDP government would want to run the banks in the country, which would be some day for Canadians if we had the NDP running our banking system.
33. partly answered
    Violence Against WomenMr. Todd Russell (Liberal) asked Helena Guergis (Conservative). loaded question.The answer cites existing programs and a budget plan but does not address the specific demand for a national program or inquiry.We have worked very closely with the Sisters in Spirit program, which is a program that is funded by Status of Women Canada, and we have worked closely with the aboriginal community to identify violence against women issues.
34. answered
    Fisheries and OceansMr. Raynald Blais (Bloc) asked Gail Shea (Conservative). substantive question.The answer directly states the funding commitment that matches the infrastructure question.budget 2008 committed a further $10 million per year to the small craft harbour program for upgrades and retrofits.
35. deflected
    Violence Against WomenMs. Megan Leslie (NDP) asked Helena Guergis (Conservative). loaded question.The answer praises an existing program and restates a prior budget commitment without addressing the call for an investigation.Sisters in Spirit is a program that has been applauded by Beverley Jacobs of the Native Women's Association who has recognized that Sisters in Spirit now gives a voice to the women who are victims of violence.
36. partly answered
    Violence against womenMrs. Alexandra Mendes (Liberal) asked Helena Guergis (Conservative). loaded question.The answer notes a UN campaign and an action plan but does not respond to the question about taking women's equality seriously or reversing program cuts.Canada just signed on to the UNIFEM campaign to say no to violence against women.