These twenty-nine words from a news brief in last weeks Hill Times, “The other incidents involved TVO’s Steve Paikin, who was visiting the Hill from Toronto and took pictures in the House of Commons gallery after being told it was forbidden,” provoked this 177-word letter to The Hill Times this week:

Paikin didn’t intentionally break photographing rules.

“Press gallery to brief reporters on do’s and don’ts on Parliament Hill,” (The Hill Times, Politics Page, April 20, p. 14).  I’d like to make a clarification regarding Harris MacLeod’s item on my recently taking photos in the House of Commons.  I asked security beforehand about picture-taking in the House and was informed that it was “not permitted during Question Period.”  It was an instruction I obeyed.  However, it was not made clear to me this applied to all proceedings in the House.  So, a few hours later, when I snapped a couple of pictures from the gallery during a vote, I was surprised at the ruckus it caused.  This is a different protocol from that of Ontario’s Legislature; a place where I am much more familiar with the rules.  At Queen’s Park, members of the press gallery are permitted to take photos at any time, including during Question Period.  I just want to note that while I apparently did break the rule on photography in Ottawa, it was, contrary to what you reported; without intent.

Steve Paikin
Anchor and senior editor,
TVO’s The Agenda with Steve Paikin

My only problem with this letter is that it’s missing two words:  I’m sorry.