Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 22/5/2013 (2097 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
As a measure of gauging the volume or quality of work of Canada's members of Parliament, a series of calculations released by a Toronto-based think-tank leave a lot to be desired.
Nevertheless, the Samara organization's latest initiative -- Lost in Translation or Just Lost -- attracted considerable attention last week. The report provides counts of the total volume of words spoken in the House of Commons by each MP last year.
The discrepancies were remarkable. B.C. MP Peter Julian uttered the most: 226,027 words. Calgary West's Rob Anders spoke just under 1,000.
There are a host of factors influencing word counts. For example, cabinet ministers might have lower totals because they're away from House sessions more frequently than other MPs on government business.
Get the full story.
No credit card required. Cancel anytime.
Join free for 30 days
After that, pay as little as $0.99 per month for the best local news coverage in Manitoba.
Already a subscriber?
Log in

Already a subscriber?
Log in
Subscribers Log in below to continue reading,
not a subscriber? Create an account to start a 30 day free trial.
Log in Create your account
Your free trial has come to an end.
We hope you have enjoyed your trial! To continue reading, we recommend our Read Now Pay Later membership. Simply add a form of payment and pay only 27¢ per article.
For unlimited access to the best local, national, and international news and much more, try an All Access Digital subscription:
Thank you for supporting the journalism that our community needs!
Your free trial has come to an end.
We hope you have enjoyed your trial! To continue reading, we recommend our Read Now Pay Later membership. Simply add a form of payment and pay only 27¢ per article.
For unlimited access to the best local, national, and international news and much more, try an All Access Digital subscription:
Thank you for supporting the journalism that our community needs!
We hope you have enjoyed your free trial!
To continue reading, select a plan below:
All Access Digital
Introductory pricing*
99¢
per month
- Unlimited online reading and commenting
- Daily newspaper replica e-Edition
- News Break - our award-winning iOS app
- Exclusive perks & discounts
Continue
Read Now Pay Later
Pay
27¢
per article
- Commitment-free
- Cancel anytime
- Only pay for what you read
- Refunds available
Continue
*Introductory pricing schedule for 12 month: $0.99/month plus tax for first 3 months, $5.99/month for months 4 - 6, $10.99/month for months 7 - 9, $13.99/month for months 10 - 12. Standard All Access Digital rate of $16.99/month begins after first year.
We hope you have enjoyed your free trial!
To continue reading, select a plan below:
Read Now Pay Later
Pay
27¢
per article
- Commitment-free
- Cancel anytime
- Only pay for what you read
- Refunds available
Continue
All Access Digital
Introductory pricing*
99¢
per month
- Unlimited online reading and commenting
- Daily newspaper replica e-Edition
- News Break - our award-winning iOS app
- Exclusive perks & discounts
Continue
Mon to Sat Delivery
Pay
$34.36
per month
- Includes all benefits of All Access Digital
- 6-day delivery of our award-winning newspaper
Continue
*Introductory pricing schedule for 12 month: $0.99/month plus tax for first 3 months, $5.99/month for months 4 - 6, $10.99/month for months 7 - 9, $13.99/month for months 10 - 12. Standard All Access Digital rate of $16.99/month begins after first year.
We hope you have enjoyed your free trial!
To continue reading, select a plan below:
All Access Digital
Introductory pricing*
99¢
per month
- Unlimited online reading and commenting
- Daily newspaper replica e-Edition
- News Break - our award-winning iOS app
- Exclusive perks & discounts
Continue
Read Now Pay Later
Pay
27¢
per article
- Commitment-free
- Cancel anytime
- Only pay for what you read
- Refunds available
Continue
*Introductory pricing schedule for 12 month: $0.99/month plus tax for first 3 months, $5.99/month for months 4 - 6, $10.99/month for months 7 - 9, $13.99/month for months 10 - 12. Standard All Access Digital rate of $16.99/month begins after first year.
We hope you have enjoyed your free trial!
To continue reading, select a plan below:
Read Now Pay Later
Pay
27¢
per article
- Commitment-free
- Cancel anytime
- Only pay for what you read
- Refunds available
Continue
All Access Digital
Introductory pricing*
99¢
per month
- Unlimited online reading and commenting
- Daily newspaper replica e-Edition
- News Break - our award-winning iOS app
- Exclusive perks & discounts
Continue
*Introductory pricing schedule for 12 month: $0.99/month plus tax for first 3 months, $5.99/month for months 4 - 6, $10.99/month for months 7 - 9, $13.99/month for months 10 - 12. Standard All Access Digital rate of $16.99/month begins after first year.
Your free trial has come to an end.
We hope you have enjoyed your trial! To continue reading, we recommend our Read Now Pay Later membership. Simply add a form of payment and pay only 27¢ per article.
For unlimited access to the best local, national, and international news and much more, try an All Access Digital subscription:
Thank you for supporting the journalism that our community needs!
Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 22/5/2013 (2097 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
As a measure of gauging the volume or quality of work of Canada's members of Parliament, a series of calculations released by a Toronto-based think-tank leave a lot to be desired.
Nevertheless, the Samara organization's latest initiative — Lost in Translation or Just Lost — attracted considerable attention last week. The report provides counts of the total volume of words spoken in the House of Commons by each MP last year.
The discrepancies were remarkable. B.C. MP Peter Julian uttered the most: 226,027 words. Calgary West's Rob Anders spoke just under 1,000.
There are a host of factors influencing word counts. For example, cabinet ministers might have lower totals because they're away from House sessions more frequently than other MPs on government business.
As well, the Samara word tally doesn't capture things spoken in committees.
But Samara has generated something in this report that should not be ignored. It offers additional context, for example, to consider whether the workings of our democratic system have shifted too significantly to a partisan realm where appointed party spokespersons on issues participate in transparent democratic activities disproportionately more than other MPs.
It also provides a conversation point for constituents to raise with their MPs — particularly those with low word counts. Being vocal in the House still carries weight with many Canadians.
Much too has been made of the fact 77 of the 100 parliamentarians with the lowest word counts are Conservatives. That's no doubt because the degree to which this party's backbenchers may be too tightly controlled has been a recent subject of controversy.
In the end, Samara has added another tool for Canadians to use to evaluate their MPs. Like attendance in the House, it takes them only so far. But it adds value by building on the public recording of democratic acts by elected stakeholders and generating additional conversation about what they should be delivering.
You can comment on most stories on The Winnipeg Free Press website. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or digital subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.
Have Your Say
New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
Have Your Say
Comments are open to The Winnipeg Free Press print or digital subscribers only. why?
Log in SubscribeHave Your Say
Comments are open to The Winnipeg Free Press Subscribers only. why?
SubscribeThe Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective January 2015.