The French refer to it as a bras d'honneur, which translates into arm of honour, though it is anything but.

Whatever you call it, it is a physical gesture that has the effect of conveying the indelicate expression, "up yours." And some Conservatives claim Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe brazenly offered it up right in the House of Commons today.

Krista Erickson

After question period, Quebec Conservative MP Steven Blaney rose in the House on a point of order. He was taking exception to some of the wording in Duceppe's earlier questions.

Things grew heated between the Conservatives and the Bloc during the point of order and Duceppe was seen waving his arms in the air as he stormed out of the House to loud shouts from Conservative members.

That was when some Conservative's said things really got out of hand, so to speak.

They claim Duceppe bent one arm in an L-shape and then grabbed the inner side of his bent arm with the opposite hand, offering Blaney the obsence gesture.

Among those who saw it: Defence Minister Peter McKay; secretary of state Rob Merrifield, who said after, "It didn't look polite;" and Minister of Public Works Christian Paradis who quipped, "This is not a zoo."

Blaney said, "We want every parliamentarian to show respect and Mr. Duceppe has to show the way as he leads a party."

But Duceppe denies the gesture entirely. In response to the allegation, he said in French, "I cannot waste my time on that guy."

Meanwhile, the Speaker had his aides double-check what transpired with the clerks who were present in the House at the time. The clerks said they saw no such gesture. A spokesperson said, "As far as the House is concerned, nothing happened."

So for now, it's the Conservatives' word against the Bloc leader's. Perhaps another point of order after tomorrow's question period will sort it all out.

— Krista Erickson