The sitting was dominated entirely by the election of a new Speaker for the 45th Parliament, with no bills debated, no government business conducted, and no oral questions asked. The central political argument was not about policy but about the state of decorum in the House, with all candidates and party leaders calling for a reset in civility and respect.
Six Liberal members stood as candidates for the Speakership: Sean Casey, Greg Fergus, Alexandra Mendès, Robert Oliphant, Sherry Romanado, and Francis Scarpaleggia. Each delivered a five-minute speech outlining their vision. Casey argued that decorum had declined sharply, noting that nine members had been expelled in the last eight years compared to none in the previous 14, and promised consistent progressive discipline. Fergus, the incumbent Speaker, acknowledged he had taken "dents" in the role but argued his experience made him a reliable choice, citing his work on security and an all-party mission to Ukraine. Mendès, who disclosed she had been undergoing cancer treatment, emphasized her five years as Assistant Deputy Speaker and called for dignity and mutual respect, noting that no woman had ever been elected Speaker. Oliphant invoked former Speaker Peter Milliken’s quiet authority and promised zero tolerance for unparliamentary behaviour. Romanado stressed fairness, firmness and consistency, and noted her experience chairing a committee. Scarpaleggia, who was ultimately elected, used a hockey metaphor to argue for robust but clean debate, saying "sticks go high" had been the problem, and described Canada as "Athens" in values and democracy compared to a "Rome" to the south. Two Conservative members, John Nater and Chris d'Entremont, withdrew their names before the speeches began.
After the speeches, the House suspended for 30 minutes, then members voted by secret preferential ballot. When the House resumed, the Clerk announced that Francis Scarpaleggia had been elected Speaker. Prime Minister Mark Carney, in his first address to the House, congratulated Scarpaleggia and echoed the "Athens" metaphor. Leader of the Opposition Andrew Scheer offered a historical overview of the Speakership, noting that seven Speakers had been beheaded between 1394 and 1535, and urged Scarpaleggia to defend the institution against the government. Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet called for a more collaborative tone and urged members to be "the best colleagues they can be." NDP leader Don Davies said Canadians had given a minority Parliament as a "clear mandate for co-operation rather than constant conflict." Green Party leader Elizabeth May pledged that her caucus would never heckle and urged all members to do the same.
No Routine Proceedings, Statements by Members, petitions, or procedural motions occurred. The only business transacted was the election of the Speaker, which concluded with Scarpaleggia taking the chair.
AI-generated summary — may contain errors; verify against the official Hansard.