Commons spends most of day debating budget

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
   EmploymentJack Layton (NDP) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.The answer opens with congratulations then pivots to a general positive claim without addressing the crisis or temporary-job points raised.Creating jobs remains a major priority for this government. We have one of the best records in this regard among developing countries, and we will continue to move in that direction.
2. partly answered
   EmploymentJack Layton (NDP) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.The answer lists multiple priorities including infrastructure and education but does not engage the premise that tax cuts alone are insufficient.of course, the government's emphasis on job creation involves many priorities, not just keeping taxes low, which is critically important, but also, as the throne speech and other government documents have said, critical investments in infrastructure, investments in research and education, investments in trade, making sure we open markets to Canadian businesses.
3. partly answered
   The BudgetJack Layton (NDP) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.The answer gives the scale of cuts and states what will not be cut but does not specify which services will be affected.We are looking at budget reductions in the neighbourhood of less than 2% across the entire size of government, 5% in operational expenses over a three-year period.
4. deflected
   The BudgetMs. Peggy Nash (NDP) asked Mrs. Shelly Glover (Conservative). substantive question.The answer quotes the IMF on fiscal outlook and urges support for the budget instead of addressing the accuracy of deficit projections.—Canada's overall fiscal outlook...stands out as among the best in the G20.
5. deflected
   The BudgetMs. Peggy Nash (NDP) asked Mrs. Shelly Glover (Conservative). substantive question.The answer defends tax cuts and warns of consequences if reversed but does not address the specific request to cancel them or redirect funds.If those taxes go up, as proposed by the NDP, consumers will pay and workers will pay. We will not do that to the Canadian public.
6. misdirected
   The BudgetBob Rae (Liberal) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.The answer congratulates the new Liberal leader and encourages support for the credits without addressing why ten million filers are excluded.I would encourage the Liberal Party, rather than just saying it should be more, to actually look at these things as positive benefits and to support these benefits for Canadians.
7. partly answered
   The BudgetBob Rae (Liberal) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.The answer defends the GIS increase as the largest in 25 years but does not address whether it lifts seniors out of poverty.the increase in the guaranteed income supplement is the largest increase in this benefit in the past 25 years.
8. misdirected
   The BudgetScott Brison (Liberal) asked Mrs. Shelly Glover (Conservative). substantive question.The answer claims the eco-energy program has been extended but does not address the request for five-year extensions of both programs.I want to reiterate that in this budget we have in fact extended the eco-energy retrofit program.
9. deflected
   HealthMs. Libby Davies (NDP) asked Leona Aglukkaq (Conservative). substantive question.Answer discusses accord timeline and other priorities instead of addressing hiring more professionals.our government will continue to work with the provinces and the territories on the present accord and priorities identified
10. partly answered
    HealthMs. Libby Davies (NDP) asked Leona Aglukkaq (Conservative). substantive question.Answer notes increased transfers and some funding but does not commit to working with opposition on front-line services.our government has increased health care transfers to the provinces and territories by more than 33% since we formed the government
11. answered
    Food SafetyMr. Jean Rousseau (NDP) asked Mr. Pierre Lemieux (Conservative). substantive question.Answer directly addresses food safety measures taken in response to the European outbreak.CFIA is implementing enhanced border controls on vegetables from the European Union
12. deflected
    Food SafetyMr. Malcolm Allen (NDP) asked Mr. Pierre Lemieux (Conservative). substantive question.Answer pivots to praising the system and asking if the member will support the budget rather than addressing funding acceleration.Will the member who is so concerned about food safety support this budget?
13. deflected
    SeniorsMs. Irene Mathyssen (NDP) asked Mrs. Shelly Glover (Conservative). loaded question.Answer avoids explaining the $50 amount and instead challenges the asker to support the budget.I am hopeful that my colleague across the way is prepared to support the measure in the budget
14. partly answered
    SeniorsMs. Lysane Blanchette-Lamothe (NDP) asked Diane Finley (Conservative). loaded question.Answer notes the GIS increase for vulnerable seniors but does not address why two-thirds are left out.we included an increase to the GIS in order to help the most vulnerable seniors
15. deflected
    PensionsMr. Alain Giguère (NDP) asked Mrs. Shelly Glover (Conservative). substantive question.Answer cites provincial concerns and NDP proposal impacts instead of explaining preference for private options.
16. misdirected
    PensionsMr. Wayne Marston (NDP) asked Mrs. Shelly Glover (Conservative). loaded question.Answer attacks NDP proposal with external quotes rather than addressing whose side the government is on.I heard Catherine Swift of the CFIB state on CPAC just yesterday that they believe it would be a 60% to 70% increase to all businesses across the way
17. deflected
    Citizenship and ImmigrationMr. Don Davies (NDP) asked Jason Kenney (Conservative). substantive question.The answer cites privacy rules and general policy without committing to review the case.The member knows that the minister cannot comment on particular cases because of the Privacy Act.
18. deflected
    HealthHedy Fry (Liberal) asked Leona Aglukkaq (Conservative). substantive question.The answer lists existing funding but avoids outlining steps for a national home care strategy.We have also sent additional funding to the provinces and territories to help with a specific wait time guarantee.
19. deflected
    HealthMr. Justin Trudeau (Liberal) asked Leona Aglukkaq (Conservative). substantive question.The answer restates timelines and past actions without addressing a meeting with premiers.as I mentioned earlier, the health accord expires in 2014; not this year, not next year, and not the year after.
20. partly answered
    SeniorsJudy Sgro (Liberal) asked Alice Wong (Conservative). substantive question.The answer lists specific new measures but does not address the broader vision or plan requested.With the next phase of the economic action plan we are enhancing the GIS in the new horizons program.
21. misdirected
    Canadian Wheat BoardMr. Pat Martin (NDP) asked Mr. David Anderson (Conservative). substantive question.The answer attacks the premise and shifts to election results instead of addressing a democratic vote.The real vote took place on May 2 when farmers across western Canada expressed their opinion about the Canadian Wheat Board
22. misdirected
    Canadian Wheat BoardMr. Pat Martin (NDP) asked Mr. David Anderson (Conservative). substantive question.The answer insults the asker and fails to address tabling any studies or analysis.we can see why the member has been moved off the portfolio that he had before, because he made as much of a fool of himself on that as he is on this issue.
23. deflected
    EmploymentMr. Claude Patry (NDP) asked Diane Finley (Conservative). substantive question.The answer promotes job creation incentives without addressing EI eligibility for unemployed workers.It is the best way to help unemployed workers.
24. deflected
    EmploymentMr. Jack Harris (NDP) asked Diane Finley (Conservative). loaded question.The answer ignores the premise about higher unemployment and restates the job strategy.our job creation strategy is far-ranging.
25. deflected
    Regional DevelopmentMr. Guy Caron (NDP) asked Denis Lebel (Conservative). substantive question.The answer dismisses the premise of cuts without explaining any benefits to regions.I think he should take out his calculator and do his homework.
26. deflected
    Regional DevelopmentMr. Claude Gravelle (NDP) asked Tony Clement (Conservative). substantive question.The answer attacks the asker for favoring bureaucracy instead of addressing independence of FedNor.as usual, the member for Nickel Belt is in favour of a change that increases bureaucracy and not in favour of measures to lower unemployment.
27. deflected
    Regional DevelopmentMr. Kennedy Stewart (NDP) asked Lynne Yelich (Conservative). substantive question.The answer shifts to past job creation and opposition voting record rather than addressing cuts to the western fund.The member might want to know his party voted against that.
28. partly answered
    Regional DevelopmentMr. Robert Chisholm (NDP) asked Bernard Valcourt (Conservative). substantive question.The answer acknowledges the cuts and explains they target internal services but does not address the contrast with corporate tax breaks.ACOA has identified a way to reduce its internal services cost, making it more efficient.
29. deflected
    Aboriginal AffairsCarolyn Bennett (Liberal) asked John Duncan (Conservative). loaded question.The question builds on a premise of abdication and the answer pivots to general investments without addressing specific housing cuts.our government is building on its impressive record in major investments and unprecedented collaboration with aboriginals
30. deflected
    Aboriginal AffairsStéphane Dion (Liberal) asked John Duncan (Conservative). substantive question.The answer attacks Liberals on process instead of directly addressing the $127 million housing cut figure.the Liberals are very good at talking about process and very bad at getting concrete results.
31. answered
    JusticeMr. Joe Comartin (NDP) asked Rob Nicholson (Conservative). substantive question.The answer directly confirms intent to re-introduce legislation addressing megatrial delays.we introduced the fair and efficient criminal trials act that would strengthen case management, reduce duplication and improve criminal procedure.
32. answered
    JusticeMr. Joe Comartin (NDP) asked Rob Nicholson (Conservative). substantive question.The answer pledges to table the bill forthwith before spring.I can assure the hon. member that bill will be tabled forthwith.
33. deflected
    National DefenceJohn McKay (Liberal) asked Peter MacKay (Conservative). substantive question.The answer comments on party relations and vaguely promises future information without addressing specific costs or tabling.However, with respect to the ongoing costs of maintaining a logistic hub in the Middle East, which is very important in supporting our ongoing efforts in Afghanistan and in fact throughout the region, there will be information forthcoming.
34. partly answered
    EmploymentMr. Yvon Godin (NDP) asked Diane Finley (Conservative). substantive question.The response references existing funding to New Brunswick but does not address establishing a community employment program or facilitating EI access.I can assure hon. members that we are already sending very significant sums to the Government of New Brunswick to help support the unemployed who face constraints specific to that region.
35. deflected
    Flooding in MontérégieMr. Matthew Dubé (NDP) asked Peter MacKay (Conservative). substantive question.The answer details past deployments and actions but does not confirm whether soldiers will remain for cleanup.What I can confirm, Mr. Speaker, is that within 24 hours after predeploying, we had hundreds of Canadian Forces members on the ground in the region supporting the people who were suffering from this flood.
36. deflected
    Flooding in MontérégieMr. Jean-François Fortin (Bloc) asked Vic Toews (Conservative). substantive question.The answer discusses general provincial cooperation and future details but gives no specific funding amounts for the mitigation plan.I look forward to working on those details with the provinces and with my colleagues in cabinet.