preoccupied with other pressing issues Tuesday when they met with the House Commons Speaker. The politicians asked Peter Milliken to investigate the possibility of opening the swank Parliamentary restaurant to the masses.
Opposition MPs said the move, among other benefits, would help end the unfortunate layoff of cooks and kitchen staff during the long summer break.
Milliken appeared at the House procedure and affairs committee - the only House panel to meet so far in the new session - for an annual account of Commons spending estimates.
After a string of questions about MP computer updates, the mood quickly shifted to gastronomic matters.
New Democrat MP Yvon Godin suggested that opening the doors to the public would give MPs and staff access to the fine fare when they continue to work during a parliamentary recess, a period when the facility is normally closed.
He argued it would also allow several dozen food-service employees to avoid turning to employment insurance during the breaks.
Bloc Quebecois MP Michel Guimond noted the Quebec provincial assembly allows the public into its restaurant, as does the legislature in Prince Edward Island. He brushed off security concerns, arguing that special corridors and elevators could solve the problem.
Liberal Marlene Jennings suggested commissioning a feasibility study to see whether the dining room, a sixth-floor retreat with picturesque alcoves overlooking the Ottawa River, could be a draw for tourists.
The menu would certainly be attractive: lunch specials include Flavours of Thailand - Lemongrass and Ginger Poached Chicken.
"You would probably need to bring in some kind of expert, in terms of branding and restoration," she said.
Conservative Tom Lukiwski was cautious.
"I'm not opposed to it, but I think there might be a number of members and even retired members who would be somewhat opposed to that because of the tradition and history of the restaurant itself," he said.
