Liberal MP Francis Scarpaleggia has ascended to one of Parliament’s most prestigious positions, securing the role of House Speaker in a vote that underscores his reputation as a steady, non-partisan voice in Canadian politics.
The longtime representative from the Montreal riding of Lac-Saint-Louis emerged victorious Monday afternoon after fellow MPs cast their ranked ballots in a secret vote. Scarpaleggia, first elected in 2004, brings over two decades of parliamentary experience to the Speaker’s chair.
“I pledge to uphold the dignity and decorum this chamber deserves,” Scarpaleggia told MPs in his first address from the Speaker’s chair. “My door will always be open to members from all parties as we work together to strengthen our democratic institutions.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau congratulated Scarpaleggia, highlighting his “measured approach and deep respect for parliamentary tradition” as qualities that positioned him as an ideal candidate for the role. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also extended congratulations, noting that “fair treatment of all members, regardless of party affiliation” would be essential in the coming session.
The Speaker election comes at a particularly contentious moment in Canadian politics. Recent Leger polling shows the Conservatives maintaining a 10-point lead over the Liberals nationally, with the NDP holding steady at 18 percent. These numbers have intensified partisan tensions, making Scarpaleggia’s reputation for fairness particularly valuable.
Scarpaleggia’s career has been marked by dedication to environmental issues, particularly water conservation. As chair of the National Liberal Caucus from 2011 to 2021, he developed a reputation for bringing together diverse viewpoints – experience that many colleagues cited as crucial for the Speaker’s role.
“Francis has always been someone who listens more than he speaks,” remarked NDP MP Alexandre Boulerice. “In this polarized environment, we need someone who can truly hear all sides.”
The Speaker’s position carries significant responsibility beyond presiding over debates. The role comes with administrative oversight of the House of Commons, including a budget exceeding $500 million and supervision of approximately 2,000 staff members. The position also includes diplomatic functions, representing Parliament in dealings with other legislatures worldwide.
The vote marks a significant change in House leadership after Anthony Rota resigned last year following controversy over recognizing a Ukrainian veteran who had served in a Nazi military unit. Carol Hughes had been serving as Acting Speaker since the incident.
During a recent CBC Radio interview, Scarpaleggia emphasized his commitment to restoring public confidence in Parliament. “Canadians deserve to see their representatives engaged in substantive debate, not partisan theatrics,” he said. “The Speaker must create an environment where real policy discussions can flourish.”
Scarpaleggia’s election has been generally well-received across party lines. Professor Emmett Macfarlane, a constitutional expert at the University of Waterloo, noted that “having someone with Scarpaleggia’s institutional memory and temperament is particularly valuable at this juncture in Canadian politics.”
The new Speaker faces immediate challenges. Parliament Hill has witnessed increasingly heated exchanges as the government works to advance its legislative agenda before the next election, expected by October 2025. Housing affordability, inflation, and healthcare funding remain contentious issues that will test Scarpaleggia’s ability to maintain order.
Former Speaker Peter Milliken, who held the position from 2001 to 2011, offered some perspective in a statement to The Globe and Mail: “The Speaker’s job has grown more difficult as partisan divisions have deepened. Francis will need to establish his authority early while maintaining the respect of members from all parties.”
As part of parliamentary tradition, Scarpaleggia was playfully “dragged” to the Speaker’s chair by the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader – a centuries-old custom symbolizing the Speaker’s historical reluctance to take on a role that once carried considerable danger.
In his first ruling from the chair, Scarpaleggia called for a moment of collaboration. “While we may disagree vigorously on policy, I ask all members to remember that Canadians expect us to disagree with dignity,” he said. “The world is watching how we conduct ourselves in this chamber.”
According to the Parliament of Canada website, the Speaker earns an additional $87,200 on top of the base MP salary of $189,500, reflecting the position’s additional responsibilities and workload.
The election marks another milestone in Scarpaleggia’s career, which began when he worked as an aide to his predecessor, Clifford Lincoln. His deep understanding of parliamentary procedure, combined with his reputation for fairness, ultimately convinced his colleagues to entrust him with maintaining order in Canada’s most important democratic forum.
