You may recall during the months of January and February the opposition was running amok screaming that proroguing Parliament represented a violation of our democracy and that it is critically important for MPs to show up to work. For Ignatieff, this was a classic case of do as I say, not as I do. With the 3rd session of the 40th Parliament now behind us, Iggy ranks 307 out of 308 for showing up to vote on legislation. In fact Iggy had a far better attendance rate in the mock "shadow Parliament" during prorogation than he did when the legislature was actually sitting. Since becoming Liberal leader, Iggy has voted yes 41 times, no 20 times, and absent or abstain 81 times. Yes Iggy will often show up for question period when the cameras are rolling; he's not a fan of putting in a full day's work and sticking around to vote on legislation.
Here is a list of bills and motions that were not important enough for Iggy to cast a vote on:
17/06/2010 C-45, Concurrence Motion (Report Stage) Appropriation Act No. 3
17/06/2010 C-45, Third Reading Appropriation Act No. 3
17/06/2010 C-44, Concurrence Motion (Report Stage) Appropriation Act No. 2
17/06/2010 C-44, Third Reading Appropriation Act No. 2
17/06/2010 C-45, Second Reading Appropriation Act No. 3
17/06/2010 C-44, Second Reading Appropriation Act No. 2
16/06/2010 C-469, Second Reading Canadian Environmental Bill of Rights
16/06/2010 C-280, Concurrence Motion (Report Stage) qualification for and entitlement to benefits
14/06/2010 C-2, Third Reading Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement
09/06/2010 C-475, Third Reading methamphetamine and ecstasy
09/06/2010 C-395, Concurrence Motion (Report Stage) labour dispute
09/06/2010 C-2, Motion Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement
07/06/2010 C-9, Motion Jobs and Economic Growth Act (Budget)
07/06/2010 C-9, Concurrence Motion (Report Stage) Jobs and Economic Growth Act (Budget)
07/06/2010 C-9, Motion Jobs and Economic Growth Act (Budget)
07/06/2010 C-9, Motion Jobs and Economic Growth Act (Budget)
07/06/2010 C-9, Motion Jobs and Economic Growth Act (Budget)
07/06/2010 C-9, Motion Jobs and Economic Growth Act (Budget)
07/06/2010 C-9, Motion Jobs and Economic Growth Act (Budget)
03/06/2010 C-9, Motion Jobs and Economic Growth Act (Budget)
26/05/2010 C-501, Second Reading pension protection
05/05/2010 C-201, Concurrence Motion (Report Stage) deletion of deduction from annuity
05/05/2010 C-201, Motion deletion of deduction from annuity
05/05/2010 C-288, Third Reading Tax credit for rural graduates
28/04/2010 C-343, Second Reading family leave
28/04/2010 C-302, Third Reading Italian-Canadian Recognition and Restitution Act
21/04/2010 C-384, Second Reading and Referral to Committee right to die with dignity
21/04/2010 C-470, Second Reading and Referral to Committee revocation of registration
21/04/2010 C-429, Second Reading and Referral to Committee use of wood
14/04/2010 C-475, Second Reading methamphetamine and ecstasy
14/04/2010 C-474, Second Reading Seeds Regulations Act
31/03/2010 C-232, Third Reading understanding the official languages
31/03/2010 C-444, Second Reading broadcasting and telecommunications policies
24/03/2010 C-241, Concurrence Motion (Report Stage) removal of waiting period
23/03/2010 C-7, Concurrence Motion (Report Stage) Appropriation Act No. 1
23/03/2010 C-7, Third Reading Appropriation Act No. 1
23/03/2010 C-7, Second Reading Appropriation Act No. 1
23/03/2010 C-6, Concurrence Motion (Report Stage) Appropriation Act No. 5
23/03/2010 C-6, Third Reading Appropriation Act No. 5
23/03/2010 C-6, Second Reading Appropriation Act No. 5
02/12/2009 C-393, Second Reading drugs for international humanitarian purposes
25/11/2009 C-36, Third Reading Serious Time for the Most Serious Crime Act
25/11/2009 C-36, Amendment Serious Time for the Most Serious Crime Act
18/11/2009 C-395, Second Reading and Referral to Committee labour dispute
04/11/2009 C-392, Second Reading Made in Canada Act
02/11/2009 C-50, Concurrence Motion (Report Stage) Employment Insurance benefits
28/10/2009 C-290, Second Reading tax credit for loss of retirement income
26/10/2009 C-42, Second Reading
26/10/2009 C-52, Second Reading
21/10/2009 C-306, Second Reading Canadian Products Promotion Act
21/10/2009 C-311, Motion Climate Change Accountability Act
08/10/2009 C-311, Motion Climate Change Accountability Act
07/10/2009 C-23, Amendment
07/10/2009 C-51, Second Reading and Referral to Committee
30/09/2009 C-268, Motion Minimum sentence for trafficking minors
30/09/2009 C-268, Concurrence Motion (Report Stage) Minimum sentence for trafficking minors
30/09/2009 C-268, Third Reading Minimum sentence for trafficking minors
30/09/2009 C-304, Second Reading and Referral to Committee affordable and accessible housing
29/09/2009 C-50, Second Reading and Referral to Committee Employment Insurance benefits
17/06/2009 C-309, Second Reading and Referral to Committee Economic development agency for Northern Ontario
10/06/2009 C-279, Second Reading and Referral to Committee amounts not included in earnings
10/06/2009 C-280, Second Reading and Referral to Committee qualification for and entitlement to benefits
03/06/2009 C-307, Second Reading and Referral to Committee Charter of the French Language
03/06/2009 C-302, Second Reading and Referral to Committee Italian-Canadian Recognition and Restitution Act
01/06/2009 C-20, Second Reading and Referral to Committee Nuclear Liability and Compensation Act
27/05/2009 C-232, Second Reading and Referral to Committee understanding the official languages
27/05/2009 C-288, Second Reading and Referral to Committee
13/05/2009 C-201, Second Reading deletion of deduction from annuity
13/05/2009 C-273, Second Reading right to repair
13/05/2009 C-310, Second Reading Air Passengers' Bill of Rights
05/05/2009 C-11, Third Reading Human Pathogens and Toxins Act
29/04/2009 C-241, Second Reading and Referral to Committee removal of waiting period
23/04/2009 C-24, Second Reading and Referral to Committee Peruvian Free Trade
22/04/2009 C-291, Second Reading refugee appeals
22/04/2009 C-300, Second Reading
22/04/2009 C-268, Second Reading Minimum sentence for trafficking minors
01/04/2009 C-311, Second Reading and Referral to Committee Climate Change Accountability Act
25/03/2009 C-9, Third Reading Security and human safety of dangerous goods during transport
23/03/2009 C-9, Amendment Security and human safety of dangerous goods during transport
12/03/2009 C-2, Concurrence Motion (Report Stage) European Free Trade
12/03/2009 C-2, Motion European Free Trade
09/06/2010 C-2, Motion Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement
09/06/2010 C-2, Motion Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement
09/06/2010 C-2, Motion Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement
08/06/2010 C-9, Third Reading Jobs and Economic Growth Act (Budget)
05/05/2010 C-310, Concurrence Motion (Report Stage) Air Passengers' Bill of Rights
27/04/2010 C-3, Motion Gender Equity in Indian Registration Act
19/04/2010 C-9, Second Reading Jobs and Economic Growth Act (Budget)
09/12/2009 C-62, Amendment Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)
09/12/2009 C-62, Amendment Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)
17/11/2009 C-51, Third Reading
04/11/2009 C-391, Second Reading repeal of long-gun registry
03/06/2009 C-15, Motion Minimum sentencing for drug offences
30/03/2009 C-2, Amendment European Free Trade
03/03/2009 C-10, Motion Budget Implementation Act
03/03/2009 C-10, Motion Budget Implementation Act
03/03/2009 C-10, Motion Budget Implementation Act
03/03/2009 C-10, Motion Budget Implementation Act
03/03/2009 C-10, Motion Budget Implementation Act
03/03/2009 C-10, Motion Budget Implementation Act
03/03/2009 C-10, Motion Budget Implementation Act
09/06/2010 C-309, Concurrence Motion (Report Stage)
09/06/2010 C-2, Concurrence Motion (Report Stage) Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement
05/05/2010 C-471, Second Reading and Referral to Committee Pay Equity Task Force Recommendations Act
05/05/2010 C-311, Third Reading Climate Change Accountability Act
19/04/2010 C-2, Second Reading Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement
14/04/2010 C-311, Concurrence Motion (Report Stage) Climate Change Accountability Act
10/12/2009 C-291, Third Reading refugee appeals
10/12/2009 C-64, Third Reading
09/12/2009 C-62, Third Reading Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)
09/12/2009 C-62, Concurrence Motion (Report Stage) Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)
08/12/2009 C-62, Second Reading and Referral to Committee Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)
04/11/2009 C-308, Second Reading improvement of the employment insurance system
19/06/2009 C-49, Second Reading Appropriation Act No. 3
19/06/2009 C-49, Concurrence Motion (Report Stage) Appropriation Act No. 3
19/06/2009 C-49, Third Reading Appropriation Act No. 3
19/06/2009 C-48, Concurrence Motion (Report Stage) Appropriation Act No. 2
19/06/2009 C-48, Third Reading Appropriation Act No. 2
19/06/2009 C-48, Second Reading Appropriation Act No. 2
08/06/2009 C-15, Motion Minimum sentencing for drug offences
08/06/2009 C-15, Third Reading Minimum sentencing for drug offences
03/06/2009 C-24, Motion Peruvian Free Trade
03/06/2009 C-24, Third Reading Peruvian Free Trade
03/06/2009 C-15, Concurrence Motion (Report Stage) Minimum sentencing for drug offences
25/05/2009 C-8, Amendment Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act
27/04/2009 C-11, Concurrence Motion (Report Stage) Human Pathogens and Toxins Act
30/03/2009 C-2, Third Reading European Free Trade
24/03/2009 C-22, Concurrence Motion (Report Stage) Appropriation Act No. 1
24/03/2009 C-22, Third Reading Appropriation Act No. 1
24/03/2009 C-22, Second Reading Appropriation Act No. 1
24/03/2009 C-21, Concurrence Motion (Report Stage) Appropriation Act No. 5
24/03/2009 C-21, Third Reading Appropriation Act No. 5
24/03/2009 C-21, Second Reading Appropriation Act No. 5
04/03/2009 C-10, Third Reading Budget Implementation Act
04/03/2009 C-10, Motion Budget Implementation Act
03/03/2009 C-10, Concurrence Motion (Report Stage) Budget Implementation Act
12/02/2009 C-12, Concurrence Motion (Report Stage) Appropriation Act No. 4
12/02/2009 C-12, Third Reading Appropriation Act No. 4
12/02/2009 C-12, Second Reading Appropriation Act No. 4
12/02/2009 C-10, Second Reading Budget Implementation Act
12/02/2009 C-10, Motion Budget Implementation Act
05/02/2009 C-2, Second Reading European Free Trade
So, who was 308? Iggy is big on scandal, small on actually showing up to vote, who knew? Great catch.
ReplyDeleteJean Yves Roy from the Bloc missed the most votes, beating Iggy by 5. Stephen Harper attended 21 more votes than Iggy, and the Prime Minister is burdened with running the country.
ReplyDeleteWas minimum sentences for the human trafficking of minors not important enough for Iggy to show up to work? I should do a poll for the most significant piece of legislation that Iggy skipped voting on.
ReplyDeleteOver 90 (62%) Tory MPS missed fewer than 5 votes, while nearly 60% of Liberal MPs missed at least 20 votes. For all the bloviating the Liberals have done about the importance of MPs being allowed to work, they sure don't like going to work.
ReplyDeleteThis is scandalous! What was he thinking? Great research. I hope his constituents become aware of this. His responsibilities as an MP and opposition leader are not so extensive as to justify this pathetic record. How did Jack and Gilles fare?
ReplyDeleteI can see why the PM missed votes, and I bet if one analyzed the dates, it was mostly because he was out-of-country, receiving visitors or at various ceremonies within Canada plus some important meetings re: running the government. One could quibble with announcement trips as being somewhat political. This year has been a hugely important year for ensuring that the PM is at international meetings.
As for Iggy, he cancelled his international events in September in order to try to bring about an unnecessary an election. Did he not go travelling around Canada after Parliament resumed in March vs. doing these trips in Jan/Feb? I hope he has a nice summer on the "under the bus" tour.
In addition to the problems we have identified re: Iggy's leadership and policy issues, I seriously wonder whether he has the stamina, stress resistence, action-orientation and decision-making abilities to take on the job of PM. The Liberals question this too. His thinking is highly complex, thus he will have a lot of difficulty honing in on what action to take in any crisis. Even good advisors can not make up for these fatal flaws.
We are very fortunate to have the CPC in the lead at this time, as the PM knows exactly what positions Canada must take in the face of global threats to our sovereignty. He is clear and direct when stating our Canadian interests.
I am somewhat unhappy about how the CPC managed some issues in the house and committees (e.g., it was a no-brainer to come out in favour of the AG doing the audit early, as Duceppe did), but they do have to be careful as most of the media voices are just looking for a scandal all the time.
This is great, interesting and informing news, I would expect Solomon or Clark will be calling you for the rights. Come on Sun TV News, this type of discussion is what I want.
ReplyDeleteI bet 85% of constituents don't have a clue what their MP is doing in Ottawa. Maybe there should be requirements for MP's to receive report cards, like in school. At he end of a session they will be required to take them home and post them for their constituents to see.
ReplyDeleteHis Committee attendance is also rather pathetic considering that he is a NEW MP, new to politics and could learn a thing or two however, none of this surprises me. Good job!
ReplyDeletehttp://phantomobserver.com/blog/?p=2257
"His thinking is highly complex..."
ReplyDeleteWhat baloney! He's a history teacher and TV host. You give him way too much credit and buy into the "Iggy is an intellectual" MSM brain-washing hype.
In general, government MPs also have to be there to vote, in order to sustain the government on matters of confidence.
ReplyDeleteIt was one of the reasons given for developing the referendum on whether they should have to face open nominations, as it would be hard for a government backbencher to organize against a challenger who didn't have to be in Ottawa voting all the time.
When you're a Canadian of Convenience, it only makes sense that he’d be a Parliamentarian of Convenience.
ReplyDeleteAnd this carpet bagger thinks he’s a better Canadian then all us real Canadians!
Maybe this is the sort of issue Sun TV could highlight. MPs are not permitted, in the House at least, to comment on another MP's absence, and the media are certainly not going to point out that Ignatieff seems incapable of a full day's work. It's clear if you watch QP that a large number of Liberal MPs simply don't bother to show up. Canadians might be interested in which MPs are actually earning their salaries and pensions.
ReplyDeleteI thought Iggy was 'just visiting' but I guess he's not even doing that. When I have visitors, they show up, otherwise they are not visiting.
ReplyDeleteMaybe he's too busy giving interviews for the Lame Stream Media?
ReplyDelete