Liberal MP Greg Fergus has been sworn in as Canada’s new Speaker of the House of Commons following a secret ranked-choice election on Tuesday.
It was a historic day in political history as Fergus became Canada’s 38th Speaker of the House of Commons, becoming the first black Canadian to hold the prestigious office. Mr Fergus, 54, will take up the role of parliament’s impartial arbiter as parliament faces highly publicized criticism internationally.
“Respect is a fundamental part of what we do here. We need to treat each other with respect and set an example for Canadians. There can be no dialogue without a mutual understanding of respect.” ,” Fergus said. First remarks from the Speaker’s chair after several hours of election process and a standing ovation from fellow MPs.
“Unless we all agree to respect each other, we will not be able to pursue arguments or have our voices heard,” Fergus continued, pledging to carry out his duties firmly and fairly. Ta.
“So I’m going to work hard on this issue, and I’m going to need your help to make this happen, because this is a place where there’s going to be a lot of heated debate.”
Mr Fergus was first elected to the House of Commons in 2015, representing the National Capital Region, representing the Hal Aylmer constituency in Kenya. But his “lifelong love” for Congress and his experience in the House go back decades.
A self-confessed Hansard subscriber since the age of 14, he became an MP in 1988, awed by the “majesty of the sanctuary of democracy”.
Today, he and his wife, Julie, have three grown children and are self-described “doting grandparents” to their two grandchildren.
The highly unusual election for the speaker was made last week by Anthony Rota, who was elected after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s mistaken and embarrassing act of inviting and honoring a person who fought alongside the Nazis in World War II during his speech to parliament. This was done after he resigned.
Upon his election, Mr. Fergus was ceremoniously ushered into his new seat at the front of the House of Commons by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Official Opposition Leader Pierre Poièvre, despite some symbolic defiance.
Party leaders took turns congratulating Mr Fergus on his new post and reflected on the significance of his colleagues’ selection of him.
“Today you become the first Black Canadian to become Speaker of the House of Commons. This should be an inspiration to all Canadians, especially young people who want to get involved in politics,” Prime Minister Trudeau said. “Canadians expect us all to work together to deliver results. Canadians expect us to conduct ourselves to the highest standards. I know you will help me rise to the occasion.”
Newly elected Speaker of the House of Commons Greg Fergus is escorted into the House of Commons by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Conservative Leader Pierre Poièvre at Parliament House on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 in Ottawa.Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick
In his congratulatory speech, which took on campaign-like language, Poilievre talked about how MPs must act as servants of the people, saying: “This is called the House of Commons for a reason.” It pointed out.
“Without many exceptions, you are one of the friendliest members of Congress. I’m glad to see you sitting in this chair now,” said NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, adding that Fergus was the final He also noted that he had accomplished an “incredible feat” that culminated in his accomplishment. His speaker’s portrait was added to the Capitol, providing representation that had been previously lacking.
“When people walk the hallways of this place now and look at the paintings on the walls, they are reminded of some of Canada’s great achievements and some of the great mistakes we have made as a nation. I’m going to…I think you know how important that is,” Singh said.
Mr. Fergus and a procession of legislative officials, wearing the formal attire associated with their role, headed to the Senate, where the House selection was presented to Gov. Mary Simon.
After this procedure, the day’s regular business began, with the first agenda item being statements by members and question and answer time.
In a statement, the Congressional Black Caucus (PBC) praised Fergus’ election, noting that he was one of the group’s founders.
“It has been a privilege to work closely with the new Speaker on behalf of Canadians, especially Black Canadians. He is guided by humility, resourcefulness and passion. He is recognized by his colleagues in the House of Commons for this recognition. “He is very deserving, and so am I. I am confident that he will make a meritorious contribution to Canada,” said PBC co-chair Senator Rosemary Moody.
7 Roles sought by candidates
Voting began Tuesday morning, with Quebec House of Representatives Speaker Louis Plamondon presiding for the sixth time, after an hour of speeches by candidates and recognition of Rota’s achievements.
“Before I begin, I would like to say to Mr. Rota, who took over from me, that I have great respect for all the great work he has done during his two terms as chairman. Let’s congratulate him on his great achievement. He did his job,” Plamondon said in French, to applause.
Mr Fergus was one of seven MPs seeking the chairmanship. Other candidates were Liberal MP Alexandra Mendez, Liberal MP Sean Casey, Liberal MP Peter Siefke, Conservative MP Chris d’Entremont, National Democratic Party MP Carol Hughes and Green Party MP Elizabeth May.
Just as the House of Commons began to sit on Tuesday, Liberal MP Stephane Lauzon, who was on the list of candidates as of Monday night, withdrew himself from the race. His decision came after the vote was discussed in the Freedom Caucus early Tuesday morning.
The need for a reset and re-prioritizing civility was a recurring theme as chair candidates took turns making final pitches to their colleagues.
“We can and must do better, if you are willing to join us in a collective effort to restore public confidence in the way MPs treat each other and in the rules of Parliament. I would be honored to lead that cause.In the meantime, Members are satisfied with the current level of civility and respect for the Presidency, so please do not vote for me.” Casey said.
Mr d’Entremont, a Conservative Party MP and vice-chairman facing this special election, spoke of the difficult circumstances that led to this election and how his two years of experience underpinned his “deep desire” to hold the top job. talked about. He touted his experience, “French Acadian gentle demeanor” and personal relationships with his colleagues as his assets.
Prime Minister Theresa May, who appeared virtually after suffering a stroke this summer and is currently unable to fly, spoke of how all the candidates were “more than qualified to be great speakers” and criticized her own unlikely chances. admitted.
Prime Minister Theresa May said: “I pledge my support to the next Speaker of the House of Commons. Those who have the courage should return to our rules.”
It took just under an hour for lawmakers to take turns voting at polling stations set up in the House chamber.
After the ballot boxes were inspected, voting began.
Lawmakers were instructed to place No. 1 next to their first choice on the ballot and continue ranking each candidate for which they wanted to vote. Names are listed alphabetically.
Lawmakers have been asked to leave the area after voting. #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/2UTv7tUIhn
— Rachel Aiello (@rachaiello) October 3, 2023
The House administration was responsible for tabulating the results. Lawmakers who attended in-person voting, a requirement for this election, were asked to rank their choices, but were not required to list all seven candidates on their ballots.
The process does not reveal how many votes it took Mr. Fergus to get the necessary absolute majority, or how many votes he received.
What is the role of the speaker?
The Speaker’s duties go beyond the role most often played by Canadians as an impartial arbiter of House proceedings, maintaining order and decorum while interpreting the rules of Parliament.
Mr Fergus, who until recently served as Prime Minister Trudeau’s parliamentary secretary until his election, may struggle to convince opposition MPs of his neutrality in decisions.
Ahead of the election, some Tories have been using Mr Fergus’ past actions, including during the 2016 “Elbowgate” scandal, to argue that Mr Fergus is unfit to hold the position of Speaker. He was defending the Prime Minister and revisiting Mr. Fergus’ recent actions. Conflict of Interest Violation Regarding Letters to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).
As chair, he will no longer participate in Freedom Caucus meetings or debates, and will only vote in the event of a tie.
Upon his election, Mr Fergus told the House that he would meet with the Speaker and Deputy Speaker in the coming days to discuss how to improve the atmosphere and move forward with the rights of all members in mind. .
The Speaker’s chair is seen before the House of Commons opens in Ottawa on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. (Canadian Press/Adrian Wilde)
Mr. Fergus will also assume key administrative and managerial duties, as well as ceremonial and diplomatic responsibilities when representing Canada in the Parliament.
The job of a member of the House of Commons includes an MP’s base salary of $194,600 plus $92,800, the same amount that ministers receive. He also has an official residence called The Farm in the Kingsmere community in Chelsea, Kenya, and a modest apartment in West Block where he can stay late into the night in a large chair.
The Vice-Chairman and Deputy Vice-Chairman are usually appointed a few days later, usually by agreement between the parties.
