New speaker must be non-partisan, MP says

The new federal speaker of the house needs to have a firm hand and treat every Member of Parliament fairly, says on of Thunder Bay’s two MPs.

MP John Rafferty (NDP, Thunder Bay-Rainy River) said the election Thursday to replace outgoing speaker Peter Milliken is an important one. All parties are looking for someone who can maintain order and treat all MPs, no matter where they’re from or what party they represent, the same.

"So that everybody is treated absolutely equal," said Rafferty. "That each party is treated exactly the same."

Rafferty expects the eight-candidate vote will last hours. Each hand-counted round will see the bottom vote-getter drop off until one candidate remains to replace the 10-year stint of Milliken.

"There could be quite a few rounds before things end," said Rafferty.

There probably won’t be too many surprises Friday when the Conservative majority government gives its Throne Speech Rafferty said.

He said it will probably resemble the economy-focuses budget the Conservatives released this past winter with more on crime, controversial long-gun registry and party subsidies.

With concerns about the economy still on the minds of Canadians, Rafferty hopes that will still be its focus though.
"I suspect that the bulk of the throne speech will be on economic issues," said Rafferty.