General

Layton least civil Parliamentarian: study

McMaster University analysis rated MPs’ conduct in Question Period

Jack Layton was the most uncivil politician in the House of Commons during Question Period before this spring’s election, according to a recent analysis conducted by researchers at McMaster University. The researchers created a civility index that rated each MP’s behaviour on a scale of one to 100. Included in the scores were factors such as the level of rudeness, aggression and anger. Only politicians who spoke at least 50 times were given a score. Layton, who was pegged lowest on the civility index, was given a score of 39. Conservative MP Rona Ambrose had the highest score for an MP, while Speaker Peter Miliken was rated the most civil person in Parliament with a score of 80. Researcher Alex Sevigny said its not surprising that opposition leaders would have a low score, since they’re often forced into a more combative position by questioning the actions of the MPs in government.

Montreal Gazette

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