Today on Parliament Hill, pork producers are hosting a barbecue in the courtyard beside the East Block to encourage Canadians to eat more pork.

It is all to show support for an industry that is feeling side-swiped by swine flu.

Swine flu is just a name, of course, and you can't catch it by eating pork. Still, some nations are saying no to Canadian pork and many producers are hurting.

Chris Rands

But no one is saying no here on Parliament Hill, where you'd expect they would know a thing or two about pork.

Here on the Hill, politicians and their staff are standing in a slow-moving line of at least 100 people. All to get some free pork.

Now a cynic might say people will always line up for a free lunch, especially if their bosses encourage them to, for the greater good of the Canadian economy of course.

But as I write this at least one MP leaving the courtyard says the pulled pork on a bun may even run out before we get there.

Stampede anyone?

— Chris Rands