House of Commons Elects a New Presiding Officer
Quebec's Francis Scarpaleggia, the MP for Lac-Saint-Louis, has been elected as the Speaker of the House of Commons. The secret ballot to elect the new Speaker was held on May 26, 2025, during the first sitting of the 45th Parliament.
In his election speech, Scarpaleggia likened the parliamentary debates to a hockey game, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the rules while allowing for some healthy competition. He also drew comparisons between the parliamentary arena and the old Montreal Forum, underscoring that every seat offers an unparalleled view.
The outgoing speaker, Greg Fergus, was not re-elected, despite a heartfelt farewell speech where he took a metaphorical swipe at himself, describing himself as a car with character. The election of Scarpaleggia was the first order of business for the newly elected federal MPs. The new parliamentary session began on May 26, with the ceremonies humorously led by Louis Plamondon, the dean of the MPs.
The former Commons president, Peter Milliken, observed the proceedings from the galleries. Notably absent were the two Conservative candidates for the presidency, John Nater and Chris d'Entremont, who withdrew from the race without giving a reason.
As Prime Minister, Mark Carney led the new president to his seat in the front row of the assembly for the first time. The Liberal MP received applause from all parties as he made his inaugural speech. Carney emphasized his eagerness to learn from the members of the House and acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead.
The Speaker's position is crucial for the smooth functioning of the House of Commons, especially in minority parliaments, as it offers diplomatic weight and significant perks, including an annual salary of $309,000, a driver, a substantial hospitality budget, and an official residence in Gatineau's hills.
Elizabeth May, the Green Party leader, initially sought the post but withdrew her candidacy to avoid limiting her political influence. The Speaker plays a vital role in maintaining parliamentary order amidst potential tension in minority governments.
The election of Scarpaleggia as Speaker assumes significance as it precedes important events such as the King Charles's speech from the throne, which took place on May 28, 2025, emphasizing Canada's unique identity and distinct ties from other nations.
In his speech, Scarpaleggia called for maintaining decorum, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rules and traditions of the House while fostering healthy debates. He also encouraged colleagues to view their roles as public servants with a sense of duty and responsibility towards the Canadian people.
Meanwhile, Canadian parliamentarians continued to face challenges in maintaining discipline, as evidenced by the expulsion of Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre for refusing to withdraw his insults towards Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. These incidents underscored the potential tensions that Scarpaleggia may face in his new role as Speaker.
The election of Francis Scarpaleggia, the newly elected Speaker of the House of Commons, occurred during the 45th Parliament's first sitting on May 26, 2025. His speech emphasized the importance of maintaining decorum and upholding the rules and traditions of the House while fostering healthy debates, not unlike the Montreal Forum where every seat offered an unparalleled view.
