Prime Minister Mark Carney and interim Opposition leader Andrew Scheer walk Francis Scarpaleggia to the Speaker's chair on Monday. The Canadian Press
Liberal MP Francis Scarpaleggia has stepped into one of Parliament’s most prestigious roles—as the new Speaker of the House of Commons. Chosen through a ranked secret ballot by fellow MPs, he will now steer debates, enforce decorum, and serve as a neutral guardian of parliamentary rules.
It’s a crucial appointment at a crucial time. Prime Minister Mark Carney has already warned his caucus to brace for an intense legislative session ahead.
Francis Scarpaleggia from MP to Speaker: A Journey of Trust
Scarpaleggia, who has represented Lac-Saint-Louis since 2004, received a warm ushering into the Speaker’s chair. Both Carney and interim Conservative leader Andrew Scheer guided him to his new seat in a symbolic moment of cross-party respect.
Humbly addressing the House, Scarpaleggia asked for a "grace period" as he settles into his new post. “We all have things we want to accomplish,” he said, “and we’ve been away. Thank you, colleagues.”
“I would remind members that we are at the beginning of a mandate, in the selfish hope that you will afford me a little grace period,” Scarpaleggia said from the Speaker’s chair after the announcement of his election.
Carney Backs Speaker’s Vision
Prime Minister Carney, in his first address to the House, expressed gratitude to those who supported him and offered encouragement to the new Speaker.
“I’ll make mistakes,” Carney admitted, “but this House has rules, and traditions, and I will respect them.” He even quoted Scarpaleggia’s own campaign pitch, declaring, “Yes, we are Athens, they are Rome. We will prevail.”
Conservatives Fall In Line, Despite Losing the Race
Andrew Scheer, who himself held the Speaker’s role from 2011 to 2015, extended support on behalf of the Conservative Party. He reminded the chamber that the position holds centuries of history—sometimes even danger.
“Seven British Speakers were beheaded,” Scheer noted. “You may not face monarchs now, but the job still demands courage.”
The Speaker’s post became a purely Liberal affair after the two Conservative hopefuls, Chris d’Entremont and John Nater, pulled out on Monday morning. This left a contest among six Liberal MPs, with Scarpaleggia eventually defeating former Speaker Greg Fergus.
Commitment to Civility and Stronger Debate
In his campaign speech, Scarpaleggia emphasized the importance of respectful dialogue. He pledged to create a more disciplined environment for debate, rejecting personal attacks and partisan hostility.
“Canada’s greatest asset is its democracy,” he said. “And democracy breathes in this chamber.” He added that robust, passionate debate can coexist with civility.
Comparing Parliament to a hockey game, he said, “There’s room for hard hits in the corners. But when the sticks go high, it becomes a problem.”
Big Responsibilities, Bigger Symbolism
The Speaker oversees more than debates. The role includes administrative leadership, financial oversight, and diplomatic representation. The Speaker also connects Parliament with the Crown and the Senate.
For all that responsibility, the perks are notable—an additional $99,900 on top of the MP salary, a vehicle allowance, and residences in West Block and Gatineau Park.
Scarpaleggia’s challenge now is to lead with fairness, authority, and a spirit of unity—bringing a touch of Athenian democracy to a modern Canadian institution.
