New Session, New Speaker

OTTAWA – POLITICS – Montreal-area MP Francis Scarpaleggia has been elected Speaker of the House of Commons as Members of Parliament reconvened for their first session since mid-December. Scarpaleggia, who represents the riding of Lac-Saint-Louis in Quebec, now takes on the prestigious and impartial role of presiding over parliamentary debates and proceedings.

A Post-Election Reset in Parliament

This marks the first sitting of the House since last month’s federal election, which returned the Liberal Party with a minority mandate. With the chamber back in session, the election of a new Speaker is a symbolic and procedural starting point for the new parliamentary term.

Secret Ballot, Familiar Faces

The vote came after brief five-minute speeches by all six candidates — all Liberal MPs — vying for the role. In a secret ballot, Scarpaleggia emerged as the choice over contenders including former Speaker Greg Fergus, Sean Casey, Alexandra Mendes, Robert Oliphant, and Sherry Romando.