From the "walk a mile in a reporter's shoes" file comes this exchange between Julie Van Dusen of the CBC - a journalist who has honed scrumming to a fine art - and Pierre Poilievre, the parliamentary secretary to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, which took place after Question Period on Friday.
The journalist started by asking how many jobs have been created through the federal investment in infrastructure.
"Lots of jobs," Mr. Poilievre said.
"No, but I need a number," the reporter protested.
"Lots of jobs," Mr. Poilievre said.
"You've got more than 3,000 - where are you going? I mean if it's a great news…" the reporter said.
"I'm going to the grand opening of a new radio station here in Ottawa," Mr. Poilievre replied.
"Okay. How many jobs have been created to date?" the reporter asked.
"Lots of jobs. Lots of jobs," Mr. Poilievre said.
"Be specific," the reporter said.
"I'll be specific," Mr. Poilievre said.
"Okay," the reporter said.
"We're building roads, bridges, hockey arenas, other construction projects all of which create jobs. We're lowering taxes so that people can spend and invest in the economy to create even more jobs. So the answer to your question is lots of jobs. Thanks," Mr. Poilievre said.
"The Prime Minister said 80 percent of the projects are underway. How many jobs? Give me a number," the reporter said.
"Lots of jobs," Mr. Poilievre said.
"Give me a number," the reporter said.
"Lots of jobs," Mr. Poilievre said.
"That's not an answer," the reporter protested.
But that's when the exchange ended. So it was the only answer the reporter was going to get.