Veteran MP takes the Speaker’s chair as PM Carney prepares for a high-stakes legislative session
OTTAWA — Liberal MP Francis Scarpaleggia is Canada’s new Speaker of the House of Commons, elected Monday morning by secret ballot as Parliament returns from a six-month break and prepares for what Prime Minister Mark Carney called a “very, very busy” legislative stretch.
Scarpaleggia, who represents the Quebec riding of Lac-Saint-Louis, was escorted to the Speaker’s chair by Carney and interim Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer, following a competitive, all-Liberal race. In his opening remarks, the newly elected Speaker asked his colleagues for “a little grace period.”
“We are at the beginning of a mandate,” he said. “Once again, thank you for your confidence. We all have things we want to accomplish—and we’ve been away.”
Scarpaleggia replaces outgoing Speaker Greg Fergus, who had held the post since October 2023. The race narrowed Monday morning after Conservative MPs Chris d’Entremont and John Nater withdrew, leaving Scarpaleggia to edge out fellow Liberals including Rob Oliphant, Sherry Romanado, and Alexandra Mendès.
Carney’s Athens vs. Rome Moment
In his first address to the House, Carney congratulated Scarpaleggia and paid tribute to Canada’s parliamentary traditions.
“Yes, we are Athens. They are Rome,” Carney said, referencing Scarpaleggia’s campaign speech. “We will prevail. We are in the golden age of Athens.”
Carney acknowledged the steep learning curve ahead, stating, “I will make mistakes. And I have no doubt you’ll call them out—because this House has rules, and it has traditions.”
Scheer, who previously served as Speaker from 2011 to 2015, offered both congratulations and cautionary humour.
“Seven speakers in British history were beheaded,” Scheer joked. “It’s no longer about standing up to monarchs, but you may need to stand up to other offices of power.”
Speaker’s Mission: Restore Order, Respect Debate
Scarpaleggia, first elected in 2004 and re-elected seven times since, served as Liberal caucus chair and chaired committees on electoral reform and environment. In his campaign speech, he committed to elevating decorum in the House.
“Canada’s greatest asset is its democracy,” he said. “And democracy lives and breathes in this chamber.”
Using a hockey analogy, Scarpaleggia warned MPs against high-sticking during debates:
“There’s nothing wrong with some board-rattling bodychecks in the corners,” he said. “But Canadians want to see sticks on the ice.”
A Speaker’s Role
As Speaker, Scarpaleggia will:
- Maintain order during debates and enforce parliamentary rules
- Oversee House administration and finances
- Communicate between the Senate, Crown, and House
- Represent Canada abroad and host dignitaries
The position comes with a $99,900 salary top-up, a residence at The Farm in Gatineau Park, and a car allowance. Scarpaleggia also inherits a hefty hospitality budget and the challenge of presiding over a sharply divided House.
With Parliament returning amid global trade uncertainty, domestic cost-of-living pressures, and a fresh Liberal mandate under Carney, Scarpaleggia’s impartial hand will be central to keeping Canada’s “Athenian democracy” on track.