Anthony Rota has been elected Speaker of the House in the House of Commons.
The vote was the opening order of business for the 338 members of parliament in the first parliamentary session since the October 21 federal election.
Rota’s competition was the NDP’s Carol Hughes, Liberal Geoff Regan, and Conservatives, Bruce Stanton, and Joel Godin. Regan, now the former Speaker, served in the position since 2015.
“First and foremost, my duty is to continue to be the best representative for the citizens of Nipissing-Timiskaming, who time and again have placed their trust and confidence in me,” said Mr. Rota, a five-term MP. “The Speakership will provide an opportunity to bring more attention to our beautiful riding, its opportunities, and its warm and welcoming people and communities.”
Only one other Northern Ontarian has served as Speaker. James Jerome, a Liberal MP from Sudbury, held the position for two terms from September 1974 to December 1979.
Rota is the first Speaker from the Nipissing-Timiskaming riding and the first of Italian descent to be elected to the position.
A Speaker’s duty is to provide an impartial interpretation of parliamentary rules and maintaining order in the House of Commons.
“I am humbled by the show of support by my fellow parliamentarians,” said Rota, who credited his longstanding reputation for collaboration, openness, and approachability for his success. “I believe in protecting and enhancing the rights of Members of Parliament so that they can serve their constituents and all Canadians effectively,” he said. “This is the role of the Speaker and his role as a servant to his fellow MPs.”
One of the first items to be taken care of in his new position, Rota says he will convene regular meetings with party leaders and whips to ensure House business proceeds smoothly and based on co-operation, wherever possible. He also plans to hold informal get-togethers with small groups of MPs from across the political spectrum in an effort to build personal relationships and rapport.
He also plans to install a suggestion box as a means of gathering continuous feedback and input.
“Canadians have chosen us to come to Ottawa to represent them and it is our duty to perform to the best of our abilities,” said Rota.
Part of his duties as Speaker will also see the MP chair the board that is responsible for administering the House of Commons’ budget, its employees and the surrounding parliamentary precinct.
Throughout the last term, Rota served as Assistant Deputy Speaker and Assistant Deputy Chair of Committees of the Whole.
As Speaker, Rota will also have an official residence called The Farm in Kingsmere in Chelsea, Quebec, along with an apartment on Parliament Hill.
