Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, freshly re-elected and once again the sole Green MP in the House of Commons, says she’s open to the idea of running for Speaker of the House—and even serving in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet, if the opportunity arises. Speaking to CTV News on Wednesday, May acknowledged the hypotheticals but didn’t shy away from expressing long-standing interest in the role of Speaker.
“I’m open to lots of things,” May said with a chuckle. “It doesn’t mean they’re likely, and they’re pretty hypothetical.” She explained that she has left her name in the lineup during previous Speaker elections, albeit without actively campaigning. But her motivation is clear: deep concern about the erosion of parliamentary procedure and the Speaker’s evolving role away from its traditional roots.
May, who has served in the House since 2011, said she’s passionate about parliamentary integrity and believes the Speaker plays a pivotal role in upholding respectful discourse and proper conduct. “I’ve always wanted to be Speaker,” she admitted. “I’m not going to dissemble. I’ve said that many times.”
The Speaker of the House is elected by fellow MPs at the start of each new Parliament, immediately after members are sworn in. The position requires a firm nonpartisan stance, and those chosen must refrain from participating in caucus activities or House debates, casting votes only to break ties. Beyond presiding over proceedings, the Speaker also fulfills important ceremonial, administrative, and diplomatic duties as the voice of Parliament.
May acknowledged the work of outgoing Speaker Greg Fergus, who was re-elected this week in Hull—Aylmer and had taken on the Speaker role in late 2023.
When asked whether she would consider serving in Carney’s cabinet, May laughed again but didn’t rule it out. “Sure, but it’s pretty hypothetical,” she said, noting she would never give up her Green Party affiliation for such a position. If she were to join the cabinet, it would be as a proud Green MP.
Her openness to both roles highlights her continued dedication to Parliament and the institutional health of Canadian democracy—even as a caucus of one.