House Homonyms

Hilarity in the Canadian House of Commons ensued today when Bloc member Vivian Barbot demanded to know, in follow-up to a question asked yesterday of Canadian Heritage Minister Bev Oda, whether troupes had been cut back? Minister of Foreign Affairs Peter MacKay, struggling to follow the logic of the question, defended Canadian troops adamantly for their involvement "in interesting and important work." He went on to highlight that these troops provide incalculable value and security in important work abroad. But of course, this was not the question. Barbot's question was asked again. As if to leave the implications of stupidity hanging in the House, Bloc member Maka Kotto sneered "We're not talking about military troops here. We're talking about theater and dance and musical groups." Zing! Our troupes are not providing security overseas, but their work is no doubt interesting and important. I wonder if this event will get a thorough commentary from web-savvy, and newly independent MP Garth Turner's blog tonight. I mean, what else has he got to lose? Go Greens!