Commons opens budget debate with opposition pressing on jobs

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 highlights overall job numbers but ignores the specific question on corporate tax breaks and reinvestment.since the recession, the Canadian economy has created over 500,000 jobs.
2. deflected
   EmploymentJack Layton (NDP) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.The answer repeats the job creation claim and attacks NDP tax policy without addressing the Esso example or job results.in comparison to the other industrialized countries, the Canadian economy has one of the most impressive track records in terms of job creation.
3. deflected
   EmploymentJack Layton (NDP) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.The answer denies service cuts and pivots to tax policy and job record without addressing job creation strategy or specific cuts.of course we will not cut such services, but at the same time what we will not do to Canadian families is raise taxes, as the NDP proposes.
4. deflected
   EmploymentJack Layton (NDP) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.The answer claims services are funded and urges reading the budget without naming further cuts or addressing priorities raised.this government has funded very well the essential services of Canadians and will continue to do so.
5. misdirected
   EmploymentJack Layton (NDP) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). loaded question.The answer attacks the asker and pivots to a budget measure instead of addressing the unemployment remark or setting any record straight.I would encourage the leader of the NDP to take his blinders off to vote for these kinds of positive measures, instead of voting against veterans of the Canadian army.
6. partly answered
   HealthBob Rae (Liberal) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.The answer notes the 2014 renewal date and defers discussion but does not outline any current plans to engage provinces.the health accord comes up for renewal in 2014.
7. deflected
   HealthBob Rae (Liberal) asked Stephen Harper (Conservative). substantive question.The answer contrasts past Liberal cuts with current transfers but does not address unilateral federalism or provincial consultations.When the Liberals were in power, they cut health transfers to the provinces by 30%.
8. deflected
   HealthHedy Fry (Liberal) asked Mr. Colin Carrie (Conservative). substantive question.The answer notes provincial responsibility and transfer increases but does not commit to any federal action on a pharmaceutical strategy.we work with the provinces and territories, who are responsible, by the way, for deciding which drugs are publicly covered.
9. deflected
   The BudgetMr. Alexandre Boulerice (NDP) asked Jim Flaherty (Conservative). substantive question.The answer points to a review process without naming any specific cuts or giving the requested assurance.if the member has an opportunity, he should read pages 182 and 183 of the budget document that was tabled on Monday, which outline the process for the strategic and operating review
10. deflected
    The BudgetMr. Alexandre Boulerice (NDP) asked Jim Flaherty (Conservative). substantive question.The answer lists items that will not be cut but never addresses whether safety or well-being programs will be affected.We will maintain the transfer payments to the provinces and territories.
11. deflected
    Fisheries and OceansMr. Fin Donnelly (NDP) asked Keith Ashfield (Conservative). substantive question.The answer defends the review in general terms without committing to cancel the DFO cuts.We have a responsibility to taxpayers to spend their money prudently and where it will do the most good.
12. partly answered
    Fisheries and OceansMr. Philip Toone (NDP) asked Keith Ashfield (Conservative). substantive question.The answer directly claims the closure will not affect safety and explains the rationale for centralization.The decision to close the call centre will save taxpayer dollars without impacting the safety of people while, at the same time, still providing bilingual services.
13. deflected
    Fisheries and OceansMr. Ryan Cleary (NDP) asked Keith Ashfield (Conservative). loaded question.The answer asserts safety will not be affected but does not engage the premise that the closure endangers lives or commit to reversing it.This call centre reduction will in no way impact the safety of Canadians and, at the same time, will provide efficiencies as well as savings of Canadian taxpayers' money.
14. deflected
    Fisheries and OceansMr. Jack Harris (NDP) asked Keith Ashfield (Conservative). loaded question.The answer repeats the safety claim and cost-saving rationale without addressing the specific local-knowledge argument or reversing the decision.Existing search and rescue resources, including helicopters and vessels, will remain where they are currently based.
15. deflected
    National DefenceMr. Dany Morin (NDP) asked Mr. Chris Alexander (Conservative). substantive question.The answer highlights past budget increases but does not confirm whether Bagotville staff will be protected from the announced reductions.Of course, there will be operational cuts in this year's budget, but that growth and those increases remain part of this government's record and we are very proud of it.
16. deflected
    National DefenceMr. Randall Garrison (NDP) asked Mr. Chris Alexander (Conservative). substantive question.The answer notes future reporting of a strategic review but gives no commitment to halt cuts or protect the six vessels.there will be a strategic review of some costs in National Defence and they will be reported to the House in due course.
17. partly answered
    National DefenceMs. Élaine Michaud (NDP) asked Mr. Chris Alexander (Conservative). substantive question.The answer admits cuts to the defence operating budget but pivots to overall spending increases without addressing Valcartier specifically.an additional $1 billion in spending every year since 2006 is the most important part of this government's record when it comes to National Defence.
18. partly answered
    Champlain BridgeMr. Massimo Pacetti (Liberal) asked Denis Lebel (Conservative). substantive question.The answer notes repairs and $228 million allocated but avoids a firm commitment to full replacement funding.In this week's budget, we announced $228 million for continuing the work.
19. deflected
    Fisheries and OceansLawrence MacAulay (Liberal) asked Keith Ashfield (Conservative). substantive question.The answer discusses strategic review principles without providing details on the announced cuts or job losses.We have a responsibility to do that and a mandate to do that from Canadians.
20. deflected
    Fisheries and OceansMr. Scott Simms (Liberal) asked Keith Ashfield (Conservative). substantive question.The answer defends centralization via new technology but ignores the specific request to show budget details on the closure.new communications technologies exist that now permit search and rescue call centre employees to provide the same high-quality service from a central position.
21. deflected
    The EnvironmentMs. Megan Leslie (NDP) asked Peter Kent (Conservative). loaded question.The answer praises the oil industry and restates the existing plan without committing to a legally binding emissions approach.we have a plan and the plan is working.
22. deflected
    The EnvironmentMs. Megan Leslie (NDP) asked Peter Kent (Conservative). substantive question.The answer claims progress toward targets but does not address the end of programs in 2012 or provide a long-term plan.We are a quarter of our way toward achieving our 2020 goals.
23. misdirected
    The EnvironmentMr. Romeo Saganash (NDP) asked Mr. David Anderson (Conservative). substantive question.The answer shifts to praising the National Energy Board and economic benefits instead of confirming EPA findings or providing emissions studies.The Keystone XL pipeline will provide a substantial economic benefit to Canada.
24. misdirected
    The EnvironmentMr. Romeo Saganash (NDP) asked Mr. David Anderson (Conservative). substantive question.The answer attacks the opposition for bashing Canada rather than addressing regulation of oil sands emissions reductions.While the opposition continues to bash Canada abroad and here in terms of the way we handle energy, our government will continue to defend the Canadian economy
25. deflected
    Flooding in MontérégieMr. Jasbir Sandhu (NDP) asked Vic Toews (Conservative). substantive question.The answer lists prior military actions but avoids addressing the specific request for cleanup assistance.The Canadian Forces have worked side-by-side with the provincial authorities during these crises to protect our citizens, property and infrastructure.
26. deflected
    Flooding in MontérégieMr. Tarik Brahmi (NDP) asked Vic Toews (Conservative). substantive question.The answer praises past efforts and states general policy without committing to cleanup help.the Canadian Forces will remain in these regions during these emergencies to assist civil authorities until their unique capabilities are no longer required.
27. deflected
    Tax HarmonizationMs. Jinny Jogindera Sims (NDP) asked Jim Flaherty (Conservative). substantive question.The answer states it is a provincial matter and does not address whether the HST is good for BC families.provincial sales tax is a matter of provincial responsibility.
28. misdirected
    Tax HarmonizationMs. Jinny Jogindera Sims (NDP) asked Jim Flaherty (Conservative). substantive question.The answer attacks the opposition's platform instead of addressing the HST impact on BC families.The voters of Canada made a choice between a high tax plan and big spending programs of the NDP, and a low tax plan, jobs, growth, creative Canada
29. misdirected
    Canadian Wheat BoardMr. Frank Valeriote (Liberal) asked Gerry Ritz (Conservative). loaded question.The question assumes the minister is ignoring the law; the answer attacks the asker rather than addressing the plebiscite request.I cannot understand why the member for Guelph would deny western Canadian farmers the same options, responsibilities and privileges that his farmers enjoy.
30. partly answered
    TransportationRalph Goodale (Liberal) asked Denis Lebel (Conservative). substantive question.The answer acknowledges work on recommendations but does not commit to legislation by year end.we are currently working on moving ahead with these recommendations.
31. partly answered
    Aboriginal AffairsMs. Linda Duncan (NDP) asked John Duncan (Conservative). substantive question.The answer notes contact with the first nation but does not explain specific actions on damage assessment or remediation.our departmental officials have been in contact with and working with the leadership of the Lubicon first nation.
32. partly answered
    Aboriginal AffairsMs. Linda Duncan (NDP) asked John Duncan (Conservative). substantive question.The answer notes progress and dialogue but gives no timeline for federal leadership on the agreement.The progress on that initiative is going forward.
33. deflected
    The EnvironmentMr. Ted Hsu (Liberal) asked Mr. David Anderson (Conservative). substantive question.The answer praises existing investments without addressing the request for a five-year commitment to program stability.We are proud of the eco-energy program.
34. partly answered
    Champlain BridgeMr. Hoang Mai (NDP) asked Denis Lebel (Conservative). substantive question.The answer notes budget funding for bridges but pivots to urging a budget vote instead of detailing plans or timelines for sustainable transport.So, if the future of the Champlain Bridge is so important to him, he should vote in favour of the budget.
35. deflected
    Citizenship and ImmigrationMs. Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet (NDP) asked Jason Kenney (Conservative). substantive question.The answer cites privacy rules to avoid commenting on the specific case while describing the general process.Under the Privacy Act, the minister is not authorized to comment on specific cases.
36. answered
    Canada PostMrs. Maria Mourani (Bloc) asked Lisa Raitt (Conservative). loaded question.The answer directly describes government mediation efforts and meetings to encourage a negotiated deal between the parties.We have had mediators at the table with the two parties encouraging them to resolve their dispute.