Bryan Laprise
In recent weeks, the goings-on in the House of Commons has been a hot topic of discussion among some level 5 EH students that completed the Model Parliament project last year. A few eager level 4 students, who have started getting their feet wet with the project, have also added to the discussion.
The role of the Speaker of the House is to maintain order and make sure the rules are followed impartially. This allows for respectful debates.
On Friday, September 22nd, Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave his address to Canadian MPs. Anothony Rota, member of Nipissing—Timiskaming, was elected as Speaker on December 5th, 2019 and kept his role through the 2021 election. During the President's visit, Rota introduced him to all of Parliament as a "war hero" who had fought in WWII. It was later revealed that the named soldier, Yaroslav Hunka who had been invited from the Speaker's constituency, had fought for a Nazi-commanded division.
This incident has been a topic of discussion around the world. Following this embarrassing fault, and pressure from many of his colleagues, the member of Nipissing—Timiskaming resigned from his position. "I reiterate my profound regret for my error in recognizing an individual in the House during the joint address to Parliament of President Zelenskyy," he apologized.
A new election was planned for Tuesday, October 3rd. Eight MPs ran for the position. Liberals Alexandra Mendès, Greg Fergus, Stéphane Lauzon, Sean Casey and Peter Schiefke; deputy Speaker Chris D'Entremont (CPC); Carol Hughes, assistant deputy Speaker (NDP) and Green Party co-leader, Elizabeth May.
Greg Fergus was elected, making him the first Black Canadian to hold the role of Speaker of the House. He represents the Quebec constituency of Hull-Aylmer, near Ottawa. One of his promises was to improve decorum. "Respect is a fundamental part of what we do here. [...] There can be no dialogue without a mutual understanding of respect," he stated in his opening speech.
Hopefully the election of Fergus will help turn the page on the past events.
Commentaires