Prime Minister Stephen Harper got a laugh at the expense of British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell's red Olympic mittens today.

The pair were together for a no-questions-allowed photo opportunity with the Olympic torch in Campbell's office in the B.C. legislature. Campbell observed that the $10 mittens he was wearing were great for giving the thumbs up.

“You can't put anything up but the thumb,” said Harper. Then, after a pause, to reporters, “He can't give you the finger in those things.”

Campbell, with a laugh, responded, “I've never experienced that.”

[Note: There was discussion among reporters whether Harper said "I can't give you the finger" or "You can't give me the finger" or "He can't give you the finger." After review of video from The Canadian Press, we agreed it was the latter.]

Andrew MacLeod is The Tyee’s Legislative Bureau Chief in Victoria. Reach him here.