Controversial Calgary MP defends phrase as common military expression
Never one to shy away from controversy, Calgary West MP Rob Anders left a particularly muscular message on a card addressed to Canadian troops. “When in doubt,” Anders wrote, “pull the trigger.” Anders defended the note as “a common military expression,” saying whatever outrage it generates is overblown. The card was installed in the House of Commons lobbies by a Christian group called El Shafie Ministries, which invited MPs from all parties to sign it. Anders colleagues in the Conservative caucus opted for more banal messages. Stephen Harper signed “You’re the best,” while Defence Minister Peter MacKay wrote: “You all make us very proud. You are our Team Canada. Thank you for your service. Come home safe.”