Tweeting MPs

A good way to keep an eye on at least some MPs during the summer break, while most are back in their ridings, is to log on to Twitter.

If you’re into that kind of thing, be forewarned, most members of Parliament are not the twittering types.

As for those who are, most post awesomely eye-glazing tweets. Indeed, many tend simply to regurgitate either travel itineraries or headlines from news releases. It can make for a boring blend of partisan barbs and accounts from political pancake breakfasts.

That said, there are a few people I enjoy following on Twitter.

In the category of most amusing train-of-thought tweets, I urge you to check out Liberal MP Ujjal Dosanjh. The former minister from Vancouver South is a frequent tweeter.

My favourite recent posts include: “My day already has taken me to Van Police Dept, my physician and back to the riding office. No I was not arrested.” And, “The tea in the office: Just has a different taste.”

In addition to the requisite notes about town halls and other constituency business, Dosanjh talks about walking his dog, getting haircuts, reading the newspaper and taking naps.

He offers commentary on everything from Conservative policies and the recent death of Michael Jackson to the political situation in Iran and India. He comes across as a normal guy who isn’t afraid to give an honest and accurate report of what he’s up to.

The same can be said for James Moore, the Conservative MP for Port Moody-Westwood-Port Coquitlam.

As the minister of Canadian heritage and official languages, Moore is obviously more constrained in his tweets.

Even so, he shares many of the same qualities as Dosanjh — thoughtful, human and funny.

On one of his regular cross-country flights, Moore wrote, “Not working on this flight. Entourage Season 5 marathon here I come! Have to love Ari Gold & Johnny Drama. Could use some laughs.”

He’s also proficient with shorthand, “Gr8 dinner with 20 sr. academics from economic, social sciences, arts + humanities faculties, and bus.leaders @ Stephen Toope’s house.”

Also, earlier this week, when news broke that former Conservative MP Dave Batters had died, Moore showed the kind of emotion we all feel but rarely see from public officials.

His first entry was simply a repeated “No,” followed by, “Lump in throat. Heart hurts. I’m so sorry.”

I have to admit there are few NDP or Bloc Quebecois MPs in my list. That is no accident. Few from either party post to Twitter and those who do don’t show much of their personality.

An exception is Denise Savoie, the NDP MP for Victoria. A regular tweeter, Savoie recently reported a swimming lesson from Alex Baumann along with a photo of several NDP MPs in their bathing costumes with Swim Canada coach Pierre Lafontaine.

— Alison Crawford

Tweeting MPs