Greg Fergus Makes History as Canada's First Black Speaker of the House of Commons

In a groundbreaking development, Greg Fergus, a Quebec-based Liberal legislator, has clinched the position of Speaker in Canada's House of Commons. This momentous event marks a significant stride in Canadian parliamentary history as Fergus becomes the first Black Canadian to hold this esteemed role. The need for a new Speaker arose following the resignation of Anthony Rota, who stepped down amid controversy.

Source: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/

In a groundbreaking development, Greg Fergus, a Quebec-based Liberal legislator, has clinched the position of Speaker in Canada's House of Commons. This momentous event marks a significant stride in Canadian parliamentary history as Fergus becomes the first Black Canadian to hold this esteemed role. The need for a new Speaker arose following the resignation of Anthony Rota, who stepped down amid controversy.

Rota's resignation stemmed from an incident where he extended an invitation and honored 98-year-old Yaroslav Hunka during a parliamentary session. This gesture, accompanied by applause and a standing ovation, occurred immediately after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's address to the Canadian parliament. Rota introduced Hunka as a war hero who had served in the First Ukrainian Division.

However, it later emerged that the First Ukrainian Division was also known as the Waffen-SS Galicia Division or the SS 14th Waffen Division, a voluntary unit operating under the Nazis during World War II. In response to the public outcry and criticism, Rota publicly apologized, citing his unawareness of this historical context.

Greg Fergus, at the age of 54, secured the Speaker's role through a secret ballot held on Tuesday. In his inaugural address from the Speaker's chair, he emphasized his commitment to leading with respect. Fergus called upon his fellow legislators to treat each other with the same respect, recognizing that their actions are under close scrutiny by the Canadian populace.

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Using a hockey analogy, Fergus likened the Speaker to a referee, highlighting that the real stars of the parliamentary proceedings are the lawmakers themselves. He expressed his dedication to executing the role with impartiality, integrity, and a commitment to the highest standards of parliamentary decorum.

Greg Fergus's historic election as Canada's House of Commons Speaker signals a new chapter in the nation's parliamentary history, breaking barriers and ushering in an era of inclusive leadership.