A historical reenactment: Prime Minister Stephen Harper sets off to the Arctic to claim dominion over a particular ice floe. Mr. Valernikov, a Russian seal, mistakes Harper for a full-figured female seal and propositions him. After sorting out the misunderstanding, Valernikov claims Harper is in Russian waters. Harper, chagrined, tries to make his way back to Ottawa, but is too proud to accept Valernikov’s help. The floe sinks, taking Harper with it.

An energetic piano accompaniment underscores this political caricature. Over an ostinato on a whole-tone scale, Harper's proud vocal lines unsuccessfully attempt to muster a majestic air—while a Russian seal who he meets sings more smoothly, over music that occasionally contains imitations of jazz and Russian folk dance.