Greg Fergus Elected as Speaker

Liberal MP Greg Fergus has been elected as the new Speaker of the House of Commons. Fergus has made history becoming the first black person to hold the position.

He was elected to represent the riding of Hull—Aylmer in the House of Commons of Canada in the 2015 federal election.

The 54-year-old is married to Julie Cool. He has previously served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board and to the Minister of Digital Government and as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

Former Speaker Anthony Rota resigned as House Speaker, effective on September 27 after inviting a former Nazi soldier to Parliament. Rota introduced and recognized Yaroslav Hunka, a Ukrainian-Canadian retiree from North Bay, in the parliamentary galleries. He identified Hunka as a "war hero" who fought for the First Ukrainian Division, saying, "We have here in the chamber today a Ukrainian Canadian war veteran from the Second World War who fought for Ukrainian independence against the Russians and continues to support the troops today even at his age of 98. His name is Yaroslav Hunka."

The Speaker of the House is responsible for guiding the House through its deliberations by calling the items on the daily agenda, reading aloud the text of the motions before the House, recognizing Members who wish to participate in debate and putting the question to the House for decision.

The Speaker must also remain impartial, maintain order, and defend the rights and privileges of Members, including the right to freedom of speech.