Anthony Rota leaves the speakers entrance of West Block after announcing his resignation as Speaker of House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
OTTAWA – Liberal members of Parliament are meeting this morning to discuss the historic vote expected later today to select a new House of Commons Speaker.
Anthony Rota stepped down from the role a week ago amid international controversy over his actions during a recent visit by Ukraine’s president.
Rota invited a veteran who served in a Nazi unit in the Second World War to the House of Commons chamber, and asked parliamentarians and dignitaries to applaud the man as a hero.
A handful of Conservative, Liberal and NDP MPs, along with Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, have announced their interest in taking on the Speaker role.
Those in the running will have the chance to deliver a short speech to fellow MPs before they vote anonymously on a ranked ballot.
Experts say this is one for the history books, because it’s happening mid-session rather than after a federal election – something that’s only happened twice before.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 3, 2023.
