Canadas MPs set to elect Speaker as Parliament resumes – National [Video]

Parliament has returned in Ottawa with choosing the new Speaker of the House of Commons the first order of business for MPs.

The last Speaker, Liberal MP Greg Fergus, is seeking to regain his role.

He is up against five other Liberal colleagues, after Conservative MPs John Nater and Chris d’Entremont, the latter who served as former deputy Speaker in the last Parliament, withdrew their names from consideration.

Liberal MPs Sean Casey, Alexandra Mendes, Rob Oliphant, Sherry Romanado and Francis Scarpaleggia put their names forward.

Green Party Leader Elizabeth May also backed out of the running as she’s the only party MP and being Speaker would limit her ability to weigh in on issues.

The Speaker plays an important role in keeping the chamber functioning smoothly – especially in minority parliaments, which can become …