26 May: Liberal MP Francis Scarpaleggia, who has served the Lac–Saint–Louis riding in Montreal since 2004, was elected Speaker of the House of Commons on Monday, marking the official start of a new parliamentary session.
As he took the Speaker’s chair, Scarpaleggia offered a lighthearted remark, asking members for patience as Parliament begins a new mandate. “We are just beginning this journey, and I hope you’ll grant me a little grace period,” he said. He thanked his colleagues for their confidence and added that everyone was eager to get back to work after months away.
The election of a Speaker is the first formal act in the reopening of Parliament, following the swearing in of Members of Parliament. Monday’s proceedings marked the return of MPs to the House after a five-month hiatus that began when former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau prorogued Parliament and stepped down, triggering a leadership race.
Mark Carney emerged as the new Liberal leader in March, went on to win a general election last month, and was sworn in as Prime Minister shortly thereafter.
Addressing the chamber after Scarpaleggia’s election, Carney acknowledged the responsibilities that come with the role. “Mr. Speaker, I look forward to learning from the experience in this House. Mistakes will happen, and I’m certain you’ll hold me to account, as is the tradition of this great institution,” he said, emphasizing the importance of the House’s rules and democratic heritage.
Andrew Scheer, now serving as the Conservative House Leader after Pierre Poilievre lost his seat in the election, extended congratulations and encouragement to Scarpaleggia. He noted the Speaker’s accountability to all MPs, adding, “Our debates should be vibrant and passionate, because the decisions we make here directly affect the lives of Canadians.”
Other leaders, including Bloc Québécois’ Yves-François Blanchet, interim NDP Leader Don Davies, and Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, also welcomed the new Speaker.
Scarpaleggia was chosen through a ranked secret ballot, defeating five fellow Liberal MPs, including outgoing Speaker Greg Fergus. As Speaker, he will serve in a nonpartisan role, responsible for maintaining order in the House, enforcing procedural rules, and representing Parliament in diplomatic and ceremonial functions. By convention, the Speaker refrains from political debates and only casts a vote to break ties. They are also barred from attending caucus meetings of their party.
With the Liberals holding 169 seats—three short of a majority—the placement of one of their MPs in the Speaker’s chair reduces their voting power, potentially impacting tight legislative decisions. The Conservatives trail closely with 144 seats.
Two Conservative MPs, Chris d’Entremont and John Nater, withdrew their names from the Speaker race ahead of the vote. Green Party Leader Elizabeth May had also been considered a possible contender but chose not to run, stating her priority was ensuring continued Green representation in debates.
After the Speaker’s election, the House paused for a moment of silence to honour the victims of the Lapu Lapu Day festival tragedy in Vancouver. Proceedings then adjourned until Tuesday, when King Charles III is scheduled to deliver the speech from the throne, outlining the new government’s legislative priorities.
