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Friday, December 13, 2019 · sitting No. 7

MPs resume throne speech debate as economy and trade dominate question period

The House spent the largest share of its sitting on the resumption of debate on the address in reply to the Speech from the Throne. Liberal MP John McKay opened the discussion by congratulating Speaker Anthony Rota on his election and crediting the Canada child benefit with reducing child poverty in Scarborough—Guildwood. Conservative MP Tamara Jansen and Bloc Québécois MP Marilène Gill pressed the government on the absence of employment insurance reforms and the historical record of the benefit.

Question period featured repeated exchanges on the economy. Conservative MP Leona Alleslev cited rising household debt, food bank use and job losses and asked when the government would change course. Liberal MP Mona Fortier replied that more than one million jobs have been created and that the government remains focused on affordability for middle-class Canadians.

Trade questions centred on the new NAFTA. Bloc Québécois MP Mario Simard accused the government of abandoning aluminum workers while Liberal MP Omar Alghabra said the agreement guarantees that 70 per cent of aluminum in NAFTA vehicles must originate in North America.

From the Hansard record of the sitting. Full Hansard

Question Period – December 13, 2019 (with English interpretation) #QP #cdnpoli. Video from CPAC, with interpretation. Watch on YouTube

Who held the floor · 2019-12-13

Government (Liberal)OppositionOver the day: government 44%, opposition 56% of the words spokenSpeech from the ThroneQuestion PeriodSpeech from the Throne▲ Government side held the floor▼ Opposition held the floorOpened 10:0511:0012:0013:00Last speech 14:20Time of day, Ottawa · the House sat 4 h 15 min · each dot is a stretch of debate, placed at the minute it began
25Another sitting that went nowhereThe House spent most of its time resuming debate on the Address in Reply, with little attention to other topics. No votes were held, no bills advanced, and answers in Question Period were largely deflected.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

Resumption of debate on Address in Reply

NDP MP Rachel Blaney asked why the throne speech contained no specific measures for wild salmon and whether a comprehensive plan would be developed. Liberal MP John McKay expressed sympathy for affected workers but offered no timeline.

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Veterans Affairs

Conservative MP Cathay Wagantall said Veterans Affairs was shutting down mental health services for veterans' families while creating new criteria. Liberal MP Lawrence MacAulay replied that support continues when required as part of a veteran's treatment plan.

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Carbon Pricing

Conservative MP Chris Lewis relayed a greenhouse grower's complaint that the carbon tax is added before HST is calculated. Liberal MP Peter Schiefke said on-farm gasoline and diesel are exempt from the federal backstop.

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Canada Revenue Agency

Bloc Québécois MP Stéphane Bergeron urged the government to implement a single tax return administered by Quebec. Liberal MP Diane Lebouthillier said the Canada Revenue Agency will never put Quebec jobs at risk.

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Public Safety

Conservative MP Derek Sloan questioned the cost and focus of a proposed gun buyback program. Liberal MP Bill Blair said $347 million has been allocated to combat gun and gang violence.

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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 EconomyMs. Leona Alleslev (Conservative) asked Mona Fortier (Liberal). substantive question.The answer lists existing policies without addressing the request to change course on the economy.We are also putting more money back into the pockets of middle-class Canadians by cutting taxes and increasing the Canada child benefit.
  2. deflected
    The EconomyMs. Leona Alleslev (Conservative) asked Mona Fortier (Liberal). substantive question.The answer restates general focus on jobs without addressing the listed job losses or the minister's stated lack of worry.we recognize that despite a strong and growing economy, many Canadians are still having trouble making ends meet.
  3. deflected
    The EconomyMs. Leona Alleslev (Conservative) asked Mona Fortier (Liberal). substantive question.The answer highlights positive statistics instead of addressing the call to change course amid negative indicators.Despite growing uncertainty around the world, Canada's economy continues to remain strong.
  4. partly answered
    The EconomyMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Mona Fortier (Liberal). substantive question.The answer commits to an update by Christmas but does not address delivering it that day before adjournment.We will update our fiscal plan by Christmas.
  5. deflected
    The EconomyMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Mona Fortier (Liberal). substantive question.The answer avoids explaining why the update is not delivered in the House and restates general commitments.We will update our economic plan before the holidays.
  6. deflected
    International TradeMr. Mario Simard (Bloc) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). substantive question.The answer shifts to urging support for ratification rather than addressing leveraging engagement for aluminum protections.He is encouraging everyone in the country to put pressure on the Bloc Québécois in particular so that it votes in favour of the ratification of NAFTA.
  7. answered
    International TradeMr. Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe (Bloc) asked Mr. Omar Alghabra (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly explains the new NAFTA provisions for aluminum compared to steel.Today, with this NAFTA, 70% of the aluminum contained in a NAFTA car must come from North America.
  8. partly answered
    Government PrioritiesMr. Jagmeet Singh (NDP) asked Mr. Darren Fisher (Liberal). substantive question.The answer addresses pharmacare but ignores the votes against other priorities and the question of credibility.We have already done more than any other government in a generation to lower drug prices.
  9. deflected
    EthicsMr. Jagmeet Singh (NDP) asked Navdeep Bains (Liberal). loaded question.The answer ignores the Volkswagen question entirely and shifts to unrelated government talking points on jobs and poverty.Since 2015, we have seen over one million jobs created and that is because we are building partnerships with the private sector to bring in foreign direct investment.
  10. partly answered
    International TradeMr. Richard Martel (Conservative) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). substantive question.The answer addresses past support and ongoing talks but provides no concrete details on the new agreement's impact or solutions.we are there now to ensure that they can access the American market.
  11. deflected
    The EconomyPierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Mona Fortier (Liberal). substantive question.The answer avoids any plan or update and instead criticizes the opposition while restating general economic claims.Criticizing the state of Canada's economy is not a plan.
  12. deflected
    The EconomyPierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Mona Fortier (Liberal). substantive question.The answer sidesteps the insolvency and job concerns by pivoting to broad middle-class priorities without addressing immediate action.our very first act this mandate is to lower their taxes.
  13. deflected
    The EconomyPierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Mona Fortier (Liberal). substantive question.The answer offers no response to credit defaults or urgent job creation and repeats general economic resilience claims.Canada's economy has one of the highest levels of growth and investments in the G7.
  14. partly answered
    Regional Economic DevelopmentMr. Chris d'Entremont (Conservative) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). substantive question.The answer defends the appointment and notes recent visits but does not commit to appointing a regional minister.Not being from the region does not mean the minister responsible cannot support the region.
  15. partly answered
    EmploymentMr. Chris d'Entremont (Conservative) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). substantive question.The answer expresses sympathy and offers general support but gives no specific reassurance or plan for the affected workers.Of course, our hearts and thoughts are with the families of the people affected.
  16. deflected
    Official LanguagesMs. Louise Chabot (Bloc) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). substantive question.The answer avoids the specific request on Bill 101 and instead discusses broader official languages modernization.I will be pleased to work with the House on the modernization of the Official Languages Act
  17. deflected
    Canada Revenue AgencyMr. Stéphane Bergeron (Bloc) asked Diane Lebouthillier (Liberal). substantive question.The answer avoids committing to a single tax return and instead emphasizes job protection and existing services.We will never put those jobs at risk.
  18. partly answered
    Foreign InvestmentMichelle Rempel Garner (Conservative) asked Navdeep Bains (Liberal). substantive question.The answer addresses monitoring under the Investment Canada Act and provincial oversight but does not specify actions taken.we are monitoring and making sure that those obligations are met and we will take swift actions if those obligations are not met.
  19. deflected
    Foreign InvestmentMichelle Rempel Garner (Conservative) asked Navdeep Bains (Liberal). substantive question.The answer repeats provincial responsibility and legal obligations without committing to a review under the Act.It is overseeing the operator and will make sure those obligations are met.
  20. answered
    Veterans AffairsMrs. Cathay Wagantall (Conservative) asked Lawrence MacAulay (Liberal). loaded question.The answer directly clarifies no policy change and explains the incarceration exception.If support to family members is required as part of a veteran's treatment plan, they will receive that support.
  21. misdirected
    EthicsMr. Michael Barrett (Conservative) asked Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Liberal). substantive question.The answer attacks the Conservatives' record instead of addressing the court action or investigation.this side of the House respects and listens to the decisions made and follows through on them, unlike the Conservatives.
  22. partly answered
    HealthMr. Jack Harris (NDP) asked Mr. Darren Fisher (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses collaboration and homework on pharmacare but does not address amending the tax plan for dental care.we will listen, we will collaborate and we will work with the other parties in this House to see what is best for Canadians.
  23. partly answered
    Veterans AffairsMs. Rachel Blaney (NDP) asked Lawrence MacAulay (Liberal). substantive question.The answer affirms the goal of ending veteran homelessness but provides no plan or timeline.we have to make sure that every veteran has a home.
  24. deflected
    Natural ResourcesMr. Martin Shields (Conservative) asked Mr. Paul Lefebvre (Liberal). substantive question.The answer highlights LNG positioning and investments but does not address the minister's comments or lack of championing.Canada is well positioned to become a major player in the global LNG industry with proposed projects in the west and in the east.
  25. deflected
    Natural ResourcesMr. Michael Kram (Conservative) asked Mr. Paul Lefebvre (Liberal). loaded question.Answer defends Bill C-69 and prior law instead of addressing amendment request.With Bill C-69 , the Impact Assessment Act, it is clear that there will be one review for one project.
  26. deflected
    Natural ResourcesTim Uppal (Conservative) asked Navdeep Bains (Liberal). loaded question.Answer lists existing investments but ignores the call to change Bill C-69.Also, I want to highlight the fact that we have made significant investments in Inter Pipeline and the CKPC, which is a $100-million investment that will help create 400 jobs and establish 4,000 new construction jobs as well.
  27. deflected
    Natural ResourcesMr. Greg McLean (Conservative) asked Mr. Paul Lefebvre (Liberal). loaded question.Answer lists project approvals instead of acknowledging or fixing flaws in Bill C-69.We did the hard work necessary on TMX.
  28. deflected
    The EnvironmentMs. Kristina Michaud (Bloc) asked Mr. Peter Schiefke (Liberal). substantive question.Answer speaks of general cooperation but avoids the specific request about Quebec laws applying to federal projects.We are working in a constructive manner with all of Canada's provinces and territories.
  29. deflected
    Intergovernmental RelationsMr. Gabriel Ste-Marie (Bloc) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). substantive question.Answer pivots to NAFTA ratification instead of addressing opt-out with compensation for Quebec.One item on the agenda is certainly the importance of Quebec supporting ratification of NAFTA to ensure that we can keep our jobs across Quebec and across the country.
  30. partly answered
    Carbon PricingMr. Chris Lewis (Conservative) asked Mr. Peter Schiefke (Liberal). substantive question.Answer explains farm fuel exemption but does not address the double-taxation complaint.Both gasoline and diesel fuels for on-farm use will be exempted from pricing pollution under the federal backstop.
  31. partly answered
    Agriculture and Agri-foodMr. Dan Mazier (Conservative) asked Marie-Claude Bibeau (Liberal). substantive question.Answer covers market diversification efforts but omits any plan to remove the carbon tax on grain drying.We are working hard to diversify the markets.
  32. deflected
    Carbon PricingMr. Brad Redekopp (Conservative) asked Mr. Peter Schiefke (Liberal). loaded question.Answer promotes the carbon tax plan instead of addressing job losses or listening to Saskatchewan concerns.We put a price on carbon pollution because it is a cost-effective way to cut emissions and create good jobs while leaving the majority of families better off.
  33. answered
    National DefenceMr. Terry Dowdall (Conservative) asked Harjit S. Sajjan (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly affirms openness to ideas from the member and all MPs while noting ongoing investments.Yes, I am open not only to the member opposite, but to all members of the House for any ideas they might have to make sure we provide the right support to our veterans.
  34. answered
    International TradeMr. Kyle Seeback (Conservative) asked Marie-Claude Bibeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer details concrete actions including a market strategy, diversification, and upcoming meetings with provincial ministers.We have a strategy that we have developed with them to reopen the market in China and diversify our markets.
  35. partly answered
    Public SafetyMr. Derek Sloan (Conservative) asked Bill Blair (Liberal). substantive question.The answer explains investments in policing and gun control but does not address the buyback program or its cost-effectiveness.We have allocated and dispersed to the provinces right across Canada $347 million to invest in policing and in our courts to ensure that people who are engaged in violent criminal activity with guns are held to proper account.
  36. deflected
    Canadian HeritageMr. Matthew Green (NDP) asked Mr. Adam van Koeverden (Liberal). loaded question.The answer offers general statements on privilege and racism but ignores the specific dismissal and question about internal handling of anti-racism issues.Darkening one's face, regardless of the context or the circumstances, is always unacceptable because of this racist history and the practice.