He promised to be “firm, considerate, cooperative, consistent and definitely fair.”
Some conservatives loudly opposed Fergus’ candidacy. claimed Calgary MP Michelle Rempel Garner a previous breach of ethics made him unsuitable for the role.
Still, Poilievre smiled as he ushered Fergus into the chair with the help of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau – a centuries-old parliamentary tradition in which the new speaker feigns not accepting the post.
MPs voted in person using a secret ballot. The detailed voting breakdowns are never publicly released.
— The backstory: The election of Fergus caps a turbulent time in the House of Representatives.
Former Speaker Anthony Rota lost the trust of all parties in the chamber last month after he publicly recognized a Ukrainian-Canadian veteran who fought under Nazi command.
Trudeau and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who had just delivered a historic address, joined Rota and the rest of the chamber in giving a standing ovation to Yaroslav Hunka, whose personal story defied scrutiny.
Rota faced widespread calls for his resignation from Jewish groups and ultimately all parties in the House of Commons. He resigned on September 27, ushering in a rare mid-session speaker election – something the chamber hadn’t seen since 1986.
– The advantages: The speaker will receive the MP’s base salary of C$194,600, plus a top-up of C$92,800 and a car allowance of C$1,000. They mingle with dignitaries in a private reception area and travel to other countries on official visits. The gig also includes an official residence, The Farm, located on property north of the city in Gatineau Park.
“Coffeeaholic. Lifelong alcohol fanatic. Typical travel expert. Prone to fits of apathy. Internet trailblazer.”