New Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia asks for ‘a little grace period’ as Parliament opens [Video]

Liberal MP Francis Scarpaleggia, who represents the Quebec riding of Lac-Saint-Louis, is the new Speaker of the House of Commons and will preside over what Prime Minister Mark Carney has told his caucus will be a “very, very” busy few weeks and months ahead. 

The Speaker is an MP chosen in a secret ranked ballot by other MPs to preside over the business of the House of Commons, act as an impartial arbiter of House proceedings and maintain order during debates.

While the Speaker is elected to Parliament as a member of a party, they do not sit in any party caucus because the role is considered non-partisan.

“I will remind members that we are at the beginning of a mandate in the selfish hope that you will afford me a little grace period,” he said after being ushered to the Speaker’s chair by Carney and interim Opposition leader Andrew …