Liberal MP Francis Scarpaleggia, who represents the Quebec riding of Lac-Saint-Louis, has been elected the new Speaker of the House of Commons and will now preside over what Prime Minister Mark Carney has told his caucus will be a “very, very” busy few weeks and months ahead.
The Speaker is an MP chosen in a secret ranked ballot by other MPs to preside over the business of the House of Commons, act as an impartial arbiter of House proceedings and maintain order during debates.
While the Speaker is elected to Parliament as a member of a party, they do not sit in any party caucus because the role is considered non-partisan.
“I will remind members that we are at the beginning of a mandate in the selfish hope that you will afford me a little grace period,” he said after being ushered to the Speaker’s chair by Carney and interim Opposition leader Andrew Scheer.
“Once again thank you for your confidence. I have few words, because well, we all have things we want to accomplish and we have been away. Thank you, colleagues.”
Carney stood in the House for the first time on Monday, thanking those who voted for him personally and all members of the House of Commons, before going on to congratulate Scarpaleggia.
“I have much to learn from the members of this great House,” Carney said. “I will make mistakes. I have no doubt that you will call them out for good reason, because this House has rules, it has traditions and it’s on those traditions that our Athenian democracy is founded,” he said.
“Yes we are Athens, they are Rome,” Carney said, pointing to the opposition benches. “We will prevail. We are in the golden age of Athens. “Thank you Mr. Speaker, you have my support.”
This breaking story will be updated.
