![Politics with Bill Casey [wordmark]](https://billcasey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/politics_w_bill_casey_fira.png)
The new Speaker of the House: the Honourable Francis Scarpaleggia
The election of Hon Francis Scarpaleggia as the new Speaker of the House of Commons was a surprise to me. Leading up to the election of the Speaker, there were several names being considered for the competition, and I had not heard his name listed.
Nova Scotia Conservative MP Chris d’Entremont had served successfully as Deputy Speaker in recent years and was originally expected to contest the speakership before withdrawing his name on Monday morning. Elizabeth May also withdrew her name.
In a minority government like the one we have now, it is possible that all of the opposition members could pool their votes and elect an opposition member to be Speaker. As it is a secret ballot, we don’t know who voted for whom, but I would speculate that Mr. Scarpaleggia garnered quite a bit of support from the opposition MPs as well as the Liberals.
Mr. Scarpaleggia served as the Caucus Chair for the Liberal Party for many years. He was always very approachable, mild-mannered, and fair. He is totally bilingual and has served in several positions as MP. As Chair of Caucus, he would always try to fit everyone in who wanted to make a presentation to the full caucus, no matter how crowded the list was, and how late the request came in. I think he will make an extraordinary speaker because he is an extraordinary person.
After the previously gridlocked and acrimonious parliamentary session, in his first remarks, Mr. Scarpaleggia urged MPs to return to parliament and engage in 'robust debate,' but to steer clear of 'invective or intimidation.'It can get very emotional and personal in the chamber, depending on how the opposition asks the question and how the government answers the question. With a new Prime Minister and a new Parliamentary Opposition Leader, I expect the tone to be much different.
The public part of the Speaker’s job is the role of maintaining order in the House of Commons. However, the Speaker is also the administrative head of a huge organization which overseas all of the administration of services for Members of Parliament and staff.
In total, the Parliamentary Precinct encompasses over 35 buildings. There are even 20 bronze statues to be polished regularly. The House of Commons employs over 2, 400 individuals. This Speaker will have extra duties as the enormous renovations of the House of Commons continue to unfold.
The Speaker also represents the House of Commons during official and ceremonial events, such as when foreign dignitaries visit the House of Commons. The Speaker also has the final say when there is a dispute in any of the many parliamentary committees. Canadian Speakers are often invited to visit the legislatures of other countries, as the Canadian version of Parliament is widely respected.
In addition, the Speaker is responsible for the overall security and policing of the House of Commons complex. The Speaker oversees maintenance, office space allocations, renovations, and even food services throughout the buildings that make up the House of Commons. I believe that the overall budget for the entire operation runs more than $700 million. It’s a very big job and a great deal of responsibility. I think that Speaker Scarpaleggia is up to the task.
Nova Scotia Conservative MP Chris d’Entremont had served successfully as Deputy Speaker in recent years and was originally expected to contest the speakership before withdrawing his name on Monday morning. Elizabeth May also withdrew her name.
In a minority government like the one we have now, it is possible that all of the opposition members could pool their votes and elect an opposition member to be Speaker. As it is a secret ballot, we don’t know who voted for whom, but I would speculate that Mr. Scarpaleggia garnered quite a bit of support from the opposition MPs as well as the Liberals.
Mr. Scarpaleggia served as the Caucus Chair for the Liberal Party for many years. He was always very approachable, mild-mannered, and fair. He is totally bilingual and has served in several positions as MP. As Chair of Caucus, he would always try to fit everyone in who wanted to make a presentation to the full caucus, no matter how crowded the list was, and how late the request came in. I think he will make an extraordinary speaker because he is an extraordinary person.
After the previously gridlocked and acrimonious parliamentary session, in his first remarks, Mr. Scarpaleggia urged MPs to return to parliament and engage in 'robust debate,' but to steer clear of 'invective or intimidation.'It can get very emotional and personal in the chamber, depending on how the opposition asks the question and how the government answers the question. With a new Prime Minister and a new Parliamentary Opposition Leader, I expect the tone to be much different.
The public part of the Speaker’s job is the role of maintaining order in the House of Commons. However, the Speaker is also the administrative head of a huge organization which overseas all of the administration of services for Members of Parliament and staff.
In total, the Parliamentary Precinct encompasses over 35 buildings. There are even 20 bronze statues to be polished regularly. The House of Commons employs over 2, 400 individuals. This Speaker will have extra duties as the enormous renovations of the House of Commons continue to unfold.
The Speaker also represents the House of Commons during official and ceremonial events, such as when foreign dignitaries visit the House of Commons. The Speaker also has the final say when there is a dispute in any of the many parliamentary committees. Canadian Speakers are often invited to visit the legislatures of other countries, as the Canadian version of Parliament is widely respected.
In addition, the Speaker is responsible for the overall security and policing of the House of Commons complex. The Speaker oversees maintenance, office space allocations, renovations, and even food services throughout the buildings that make up the House of Commons. I believe that the overall budget for the entire operation runs more than $700 million. It’s a very big job and a great deal of responsibility. I think that Speaker Scarpaleggia is up to the task.