poty2011

Ipsos Reid asked all 308 members of Parliament to nominate the best MPs

Last night at the Chateau Laurier, Maclean’s and our gracious sponsors handed out the annual awards for the best in Parliament. This year’s parliamentarian of the year is Bob Rae and you can read my appraisal of him here. Previous winners include Bill Blaikie, Ralph Goodale, Jason Kenney and John Baird.

As a parliamentarian, he was a riveting speaker on the floor of the House and a sharp performer in question period

When Bob Rae stands to question the government every afternoon, there is a noticeable pause

Jason Kenney is best known for his efforts with Canada’s immigrant communities

As a speaker, John Baird has uncommon energy, eloquence and range

‘Even his enemies like him’

Joe Comartin is known to arrive on Parliament Hill at 7 a.m. every day, in order to catch up on his reading

Chris Alexander landed in Ottawa last spring carrying a burden of expectations matched by few rookie MPs

Michael Chong’s guiding political rule is: “always pay attention to your constituents—constantly stay in touch with them”