Ontario’s legislature is poised to make history today as members prepare to elect the province’s first-ever female Speaker. With Ted Arnott stepping down after nearly seven years in the Speaker’s chair, the vote marks a significant transition and the start of a new legislative session following February’s provincial election.
The race has narrowed to two contenders: Progressive Conservative MPP Donna Skelly and New Democrat MPP Jennifer French. Both candidates bring extensive legislative experience and a keen awareness of the historical moment their election would represent. French, reflecting on her years working near the Speaker’s office, recalled hearing school tours note the absence of a woman in that role. Standing near portraits of Ontario’s first female MPPs and the province’s only female premier, she noted the symbolism of this moment and the opportunity to usher in a new chapter.
French, who comes from a background in education, emphasized the importance of fairness and maintaining decorum without stifling democratic passion. “Democracy makes noise,” she said, adding that while she wouldn’t govern with an “iron fist,” her teaching skills would help manage the diverse personalities and priorities that fill the chamber.
Skelly, a former broadcast journalist with 30 years of media experience, hopes to bring a more disciplined and respectful tone to Queen’s Park. She spoke of encouraging passionate but not personal debates, aiming to restore professionalism to legislative proceedings. Skelly believes respect must be earned from the public by the way elected members conduct themselves inside the chamber.
Both women have previously served as deputy Speakers and bring differing leadership styles to the table. But Skelly may have an edge due to her affiliation with the governing Progressive Conservative party, which holds a majority in the legislature. Her bid also received a casual yet public nod from Premier Doug Ford, who remarked, “I think we’re all together,” as she pitched her candidacy to the Liberal caucus.
Despite the political dynamics at play, today’s Speaker vote is one of the few times members will cast secret ballots, making the outcome more unpredictable. Skelly acknowledged that the role of Speaker demands neutrality and hopes to use the position to foster better relationships across party lines. She stressed the importance of ensuring every MPP, regardless of party, is respected and heard, and said the Speaker’s office can play a key role in building bridges within the legislature.
As the legislature bids farewell to Arnott — one of its longest-serving members since 1990 — the vote will not only mark the beginning of a new legislative session but also potentially a groundbreaking moment in Ontario’s parliamentary history.