Deepak Obhrai insists he was listening "intently" during a recent session on Parliament Hill and not sleeping as video recordings suggest.

The Calgary MP can be seen resting comfortably, head against hand, eyes closed, while his colleague responds to a Liberal MP's question over funding cuts to the Native Women's Association of Canada.

"I was listening to her intently with my eyes closed, but I was listening intently to what she was saying," Obhrai told the Sun Wednesday.

In the video, the Minister of Status of Women Kellie Leitch is seen responding to accusations that the cuts represent a"lack of respect" the Conservative government has for First Nations people in Canada.

Obhrai 's head bobs and he lifts his eyes as applause breaks out around him.

Obhrai acknowledged some might make comparisons to 'Sleepy' Rob Anders, the MP who gained headlines for nodding off in the House and during a veterans affairs committee meeting.

However, he insists this isn't what it looks like.

"I'm well aware of the fact that I'm seated behind (Leitch) and I'm on camera," he said.

"I've been sitting in that seat for a long time."

See the video for yourself below.

video link for mobile users