Francis Scarpaleggia Elected as Speaker of the House of Commons

In a pivotal moment for Canadian parliamentary leadership, longtime Liberal MP Francis Scarpaleggia has been elected Speaker of the House of Commons. The secret ballot vote, held on May 26, 2025, resulted in Scarpaleggia succeeding Greg Fergus, who resigned earlier amid a controversy surrounding partisanship and impartiality in the role. Scarpaleggia, who has represented the Quebec riding of Lac-Saint-Louis since 2004, is regarded by colleagues across party lines as a measured and thoughtful parliamentarian, known for his calm demeanour and firm understanding of House procedure.

His election comes at a time when tensions in Parliament are running high, with fractious debates over national security, Indigenous reconciliation, and federal-provincial relations dominating the agenda. The Speaker’s role, while traditionally neutral, is expected to play a more pronounced role in maintaining decorum in an increasingly volatile political climate. In his acceptance speech, Scarpaleggia called for “a renewed commitment to respectful dialogue and order,” and asked MPs for “a bit of grace” as he assumes the chair. He emphasized his goal to be fair and even-handed, while also recognizing the cultural and political diversity that defines modern Canada.

The Speaker of the House is not only the referee of debates but also a symbol of democratic accountability. Scarpaleggia’s election sends a clear message that Parliament is attempting to re-centre itself amid the noise and political polarization of the moment. Now all eyes will be on him to see whether he can balance impartiality with the firm discipline required to command one of the most contested floors in the country.