Ottawa | Arab Canada News

The Canadian House of Commons elected veteran Liberal MP Francis Scarpaleggia as the new Speaker today, Monday, succeeding interim Speaker Louis Blanchard, in a move aimed at enhancing parliamentary discipline amid charged atmospheres in the federal political landscape.

The election of Scarpaleggia, MP for Lac-Saint-Louis in Quebec, came after a secret ballot participated in by parliament members from various parties. Scarpaleggia is considered a calm and experienced parliamentary figure, having held his seat since 2004.

In his first statement following his election, Scarpaleggia expressed his gratitude to his colleagues for the trust they bestowed upon him, reaffirming his commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the legislative institution and ensuring mutual respect in the chamber. He said: “I will work to enhance constructive dialogue and ensure that sessions proceed with the highest levels of responsibility and democracy.”

This change in the Speakership comes at a time when the Canadian Parliament is experiencing rising political tensions, especially given the ongoing debate over economic and security issues, and the continuous confrontation between the Liberal government and the Conservative opposition led by Pierre Poilievre.

It is noteworthy that the position of Speaker of the House of Commons is considered one of the most prominent constitutional roles in the Canadian parliamentary system, where the occupant manages debates and ensures adherence to procedural rules, in addition to representing the House officially before national and international bodies.