House of Commons - Central News Hub

Greg Fergus Becomes Canada’s First Black Speaker of the House of Commons

The new Speaker’s first task will be to help the Parliament turn the page on the Nazi veteran affair, according to local media reports…reports Asian Lite News

In a historic moment, Greg Fergus, a member of Canada’s Liberal Parliament, has been chosen as the 38th Speaker of the House of Commons in the country. Fergus, who represents the Quebec constituency of Hull-Aylmer near Ottawa, has achieved the distinction of becoming the first Black Canadian to assume the role of Speaker of the House of Commons in Canada, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

Elected by fellow members of parliament through a secret ballot, the Speaker oversees the sittings and proceedings of the House, maintaining order and decorum in the chamber, providing impartial interpretation of its rules, and defending the rights and privileges of its members.

The Speaker also oversees the House of Commons administration, serves as its spokesperson in its relations with the Senate, the Crown, and other bodies outside the Parliament, and fulfills various ceremonial and diplomatic duties.

The new Speaker’s first task will be to help the Parliament turn the page on the Nazi veteran affair, according to local media reports.

The former speaker, Anthony Rota, stepped down from the post last Tuesday amid controversies over his invitation to a veteran who fought for a Nazi military unit during the Second World War.

Fergus, born in May 1969, was first elected a member of parliament in 2015.

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EVENT: Political and Public Life Awards

Political and Public Life Awards honour Parliamentarians across the aisle, including Keir Starmer and Penny Morduant…reports Asian Lite News

Global advisory firm EPG’s Political and Public Life Awards sought to honour outstanding and capable leaders from across political and public life at the House of Commons. Winners included those from across the political aisle, with Leader of the Opposition Sir Keir Starmer KCB, KC MP picking up the Labour Parliamentarian of the Year award, and Rt Hon Penny Morduant MP being honoured with the Conservative Parliamentarian of the Year.

The last few years have seen an unprecedented set of challenges for the UK. More than 170,000 have died due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The war in Ukraine has tested global alliances. Inflation is set to hit its highest level in more than 40 years as the cost of living crisis bites. Steering the UK through these crises, and a turbulent political climate, have been some outstanding and capable leaders from political and public life.

The winners have created a positive impact on British society, whether in their local communities, on a national stage or beyond. The evening saw over 170 guests including Parliamentarians, diplomats from several Embassies, members of the Armed Forces, business and community leaders. Iraqi singer-songwriter Hussam Alrassam sang from hit Al qodwwd alhalbiya album on stage too.

Liji George, Director of EPG, said: “Our Awards seek to honour outstanding individuals from across public life that have faced some of the most pressing challenges facing us head-on, and created a positive impact over the preceding year. They are a modest effort from EPG to thank outstanding individuals who have made Britain better.”

Rt Hon Valerie Vaz, Member of Parliament for Walsall South, said: I am delighted to be able to support these Awards that recognise so many outstanding individuals. More than ever, we need to come together as a country to address the challenges we face. It is wonderful to be able to do so with leaders from across the UK.”

Baroness Arlene Foster of Aghadrumsee DBE, PC, spoke on the night in her capacity as Chair of the Together UK Foundation, a new non-profit with the purpose to proactively inform and engage debate on all benefits for all constituent parts of the UK to remain together. She spoke in particularly about the importance of the country’s international trade relationships to boost prosperity across the entire United Kingdom.

Winners of the Awards in earlier years have included Rt Hon Sajid Javid, MP, Rt Hon William Hague, Rt Hon Andy Burnham, Rt Hon Priti Patel MP, Layla Moran MP, Jonathan Ashworth MP and London Mayor Sadiq Khan.