The Wit and Witticism of Canadian MPs, Part 2

Mr. Dave MacKenzie (Oxford, CPC): Mr. Speaker, only days after his appointment as Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Rick Hillier terminated the current defence policy review which was described as boring, dry and dreadful. The minister has delayed the release of the review several times in the House. Now we learn that we are going to start over again from scratch.

The Minister of National Defence now fully supports the overhaul of defence blueprint and wants it to be filled with fresh ideas. Can the minister explain his 180 degree turnaround?

Hon. Bill Graham (Minister of National Defence, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I can certainly agree with the part of the premise that says that a lot of the stuff that I write is boring, dry and not very interesting, but that is a personal problem ...

Note to all politicians: It's always a good idea to tell a joke against yourself. If George Bush can get away with it, why not you?

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Some hon. members: Oh, oh!

The Speaker: Order, please. I thought we had said that there was too much bafflegab. The hon. minister has the floor and he is giving an answer to the question that was asked.

Hon. Bill Graham: Mr. Speaker, surely hon. members have to recognize the difference between boring and superior bafflegab.

Oh, there's a difference, is there?