MPs rush to grab a share of the rock limelight

House Speaker Andrew Scheer shares a laugh with Geddy Lee, right, and Alex Lifeson, left, of the band "Rush" during a reception for the 2012 Governor General's Performing Arts Awards on Parliament Hill on Thursday. (Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press)

It's well known that Treasury Board President Tony Clement has a fondness for rock and roll - and his frequent question period sparring partner, the NDP's Charlie Angus, is himself a former rock musician.

So it's not surprising the two had something to say in the presence of Canadian power trio Rush, who were in the Commons visitors' gallery during question period Thursday along with other recipients of this year's Governor General's Performing Arts Awards.

Watch the Clement and Angus exchange:

 

Here's how our colleagues at The Canadian Press reported it:

MPs, ministers get a Rush from award-winning band's Commons visit

Lots of visitors stop by in the public galleries to watch question period, but few are "closer to the heart" of politicians than a visiting rock star.

The prog-rock puns were flying faster than Neil Peart's drumsticks as MPs and ministers paid tribute to the members of Rush in the House of Commons.

The iconic Canadian band are in Ottawa along with seven other recipients of the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards, the country's highest artistic honour.

Industry Minister Tony Clement, a diehard music fan, couldn't resist dropping reference to the band as he batted away opposition questions.

Lead vocalist Geddy Lee said at a reception later that he enjoyed watching the political theatre in action.

Other award recipients include comedian Mary Walsh, filmmaker Deepa Mehta, and Tony-award winning theatre director Des McAnuff.