It was only a matter of time before Canada's parliamentary problems became the butt of jokes down south.
Comedian Jon Stewart tackled our crisis in Ottawa head-on Monday in a segment entitled "Provinces In Peril: Indecision Oh-Eh?" The host of the "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" appeared incredulous that ordinarily-low-key Canadians had stumbled upon what he called the greatest challenge to the country since our "controversial decision to re-shape bacon."
Stewart, known for cutting to the heart of political issues through biting satire, couldn't believe a coalition of opposition politicians tried to topple Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
"Force him from office? You can do that?," he asked, in an obvious reference to U.S. President George Bush.
"Because we've had no confidence in our guy for quite some time now. And he's taking forever to leave."
Stewart seemed bewildered by the crisis, considering some of Harper's poll numbers.
"I mean, this guy -- his approval rating is 46 per cent and they're trying to kick him out. You know what we call a 46 per cent approval rating down here? President Clinton," he exclaimed.
Stewart went on to explain Canada's parliamentary system to his American audience by bringing in his faux "foreign" correspondents from Britain and India. They mocked Harper for "running to mommy" by asking Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean, the Queen's representative, to prorogue parliament.
But it wasn't just the parliamentary process that fascinated Stewart. He was also intrigued by Harper's sturdy haircut.
"What kind of magical creature's hair doesn't get messed up in a hailstorm?" he asked, referring to Harper's outdoor press conference at Rideau Hall following his meeting with Jean last week.
Stewart didn't save all of his jokes for the politicians, though. Canadian voters weren't let off the hook, either.
Stewart noted how Canadians took to our "incredibly tidy streets" to protest, at one point showing a demonstrator asking Harper, "What are your afraid of, sir?"
"Sir?" asked Stewart, not missing the quaint politeness of the demonstrators.
"You're heckling him! It's not a job interview! Do you Canadians save all your obnoxiousness for hockey games?"
