Carney, Scheer reach into history books as the jabs begin
The prime minister rose for the first time in the House on Monday to thank his constituents in Nepean and all Canadians before congratulating newly elected Speaker of the House Francis Scarpaleggia.
Prime Minister Mark Carney rose for the first time just a few minutes ago, marking his first ever remarks as an elected MP.
Addressing the chamber minutes after Francis Scarpaleggia was elected Speaker, he told the House he has much to learn from his seasoned colleagues.
“I will make mistakes; I have no doubt that you will call them out,” he said, while speaking to the traditions and rules “our Athenian democracy is founded” on.
“Yes, we are Athens, they are Rome,” he said while looking towards the opposition benches.
Interim Opposition leader Andrew Scheer also paid attention in history class, jokingly reminding Scarpaleggia that multiple speakers lost their heads when they delivered bad news to the King during the 14th and 16th centuries. (It’s why Canada still has the tradition of “dragging” the new Speaker to the chair.)
Scheer, a former speaker himself, pointed to John Wenlock, a speaker in the U.K. who fought on both sides during the War of the Roses. He was allegedly killed in battle by his own commander for his indecisiveness.
“Of course, he wasn’t the last politician who tried to be on both sides of a contentious issue,” Scheer said.
