Tory Speaker picks NDP MP as deputy
Victoria MP Denise Savoie is the new deputy Speaker of the House of Commons.
While it doesn’t come with all the perks – a big salary, an apartment, house and a chauffeured vehicle – that come with the role of Speaker, her appointment Monday means she can vote on most matters and have more time to spend in Victoria.
Savoie narrowly lost the Speaker’s position in a June 2 vote to Saskatchewan Conservative MP Andrew Scheer. At 32 he is the youngest MP in Canadian history to take the job.
Scheer called a meeting with Savoie Monday morning, and after agreeing that they both want to make decorum in the House a priority, he offered her the job – promoting her from her previous role as assistant deputy.
“Last week I asked my fellow MPs to imagine a Parliament that functions well – where debate is not focused on scoring points, but rather on creating better, more inclusive public policy,” Savoie said. “Starting this week, I will ask my fellow MPs to make that Parliament a reality.”
She will be expected to chair over House procedures, including some debates and votes, for six to eight hours a week when Parliament sits.
emccracken@vicnews.com