Local MP Carol Hughes is eyeing a key role in the House of Commons: Speaker.
The Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing New Democrat's announced her bid for the job after the resignation of Nipissing-Timiskaming Liberal Anthony Rota stepped down from the role after he invited and honoured a 98-year-old North Bay resident who fought for the First Ukrainian Division - also known as the Waffen-SS Galicia Division or the SS 14th Waffen Division - a voluntary unit that was under the command of the Nazis during World War Two.
Hughes says she decided to run "after some deliberation", acknowledging "it's a challenging job, but I have the experience, judgment, and temperament necessary for this role that is vital to the functioning of our democracy", calling herself the "most experienced chair occupant currently in the House of Commons" - as she's served as Assistant Deputy Speaker in two previous Parliaments, as well as the current Parliament - saying that during her time in that role she's "worked to be even-handed, and have received feedback from members of all parties affirming this", adding "I believe now, more than ever, we need a Speaker who can both allow important debate to flourish, and firmly keep order in the House to ensure Canadians feel represented by the MPs".
This isn't her first bid to be Speaker, having run in 2019, when Rota was first elected to the role, though she won't be unopposed, as current Deputy Speaker - Nova Scotia Conservative Chris d'Entremont - has also declared interest, as have Quebec Liberals Greg Fergus and Alexandra Mendès, the latter of whom has been an Assistant Deputy Speaker the last four years.
Dean of the House Louis Plamondon - a Bloc Quebecois MP - is chairing House proceedings today and tomorrow, with the secret ballot vote for Rota's replacement to be the first order of business when the House resumes Tuesday, October 3rd, after a long weekend due to the National Day For Truth and Reconciliation on Saturday.