OTTAWA: Canada on Tuesday elected Greg Fergus as its new speaker, making the legislator the first Black citizen to hold the office after the former speaker quit over the controversy, Western media reported.
The lawmakers of the 338-seat House voted for Fergus in a secret ballot. Fergus came ahead of contenders including Liberal legislator Sean Casey, Green Party leader Elizabeth May, and Conservative Chris d’Entremont.
First Black Elected House Speaker in Canada
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that today Greg Fergus is the first Black Canadian to become speaker of the house, adding it should be inspiring for all people in Canada, particularly new generations to take part in politics.
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The House speaker is meant to be an unbiased arbitrator of parliamentary procedure, seeking to maintain order and decorum during speeches and debates.
The Liberal Party ex-speaker Anthony Rota stepped down last week after controversy over inviting a soldier of World War II.
