Canadian House of Commons member Pat Martin rushed out of the parliament and nearly missed a procedural vote because of his tight underwear.

His cut-price and, as it turned out, overly tight underpants made it difficult for him to sit through a one-by-one vote, Pat Martin told a bewildered Speaker Andrew Scheer.

However, the opposition lawmaker was back in time to cast his ballot.

A Twitter storm about not very well briefed lawmakers hit shortly afterwards.

Pat Martin, who is representing the riding of Winnipeg Centre for the New Democratic Party, drew applause and laughter from the chamber when he explained his temporary absence.

“They had men’s underwear on for half price and I bought a bunch that was clearly too small for me. I find it difficult to sit for any length of time.”

The speaker of the house said he initially ordered Pat Martin to sit back down when he wanted to leave.

“I did not understand his explanation at the time and I am not sure I understand it now,” Andrew Scheer said.

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