The House of Commons in Canada chooses its first Black Speaker of Parliament

Greg Fergus, a Liberal MP, has been elected as the new Speaker of the House of Commons in Canada. He is the first black man to hold this position and was chosen by secret ballot by the 338-member House. Fergus called it "a great honour" to be chosen for the role. The previous Speaker resigned after inviting a Ukrainian man with connections to a Nazi unit to the parliament, claiming he was unaware of the veteran's ties. Fergus urged his colleagues to treat each other with respect in the House, emphasizing that politics is a noble profession. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau highlighted that Fergus's election should inspire younger generations to engage in politics. Although his nomination faced opposition, Fergus was escorted into the House of Commons by Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and Mr. Trudeau, following a tradition where the new Speaker pretends reluctance to serve. Fergus is not the first black person in a leadership position in the House, as Jean Augustine, the first black woman elected as a member of parliament in 1993, was previously a deputy speaker. In addition to his parliamentary role, Fergus has served as parliamentary secretary to the Treasury Board president and the health minister. As the Speaker, he will chair debates, enforce the rules, vote to break ties, and maintain political impartiality. His initial task is to restore the honor of the Chamber, as mentioned by Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democrats. This remark referred to the standing ovation given to a veteran linked to a Nazi division, which sparked global condemnation. Prime Minister Trudeau has apologized for the incident, acknowledging that it deeply embarrassed parliament and Canada.