Parliament is returning today after more than six months away, and it’s expected to be anything but routine. All members of Parliament will be sworn in, including Prime Minister Mark Carney for Nepean, and our MP for Hastings-Lennox and Addington-Tyendinaga, Shelby Kramp-Neuman.
The session will also begin with the election of a new Speaker of the House of Commons — a vote drawing extra attention after past controversies. MPs will choose the Speaker using a secret ranked-ballot. Several Liberal MPs, including Sean Casey and Rob Oliphant, have shown interest. Former Speaker Greg Fergus may also run again, though his role has faced criticism from opposition parties.
Adding more excitement, King Charles will deliver the throne speech on Tuesday. A rare event in Canadian history. This marks only the third time a monarch has done so since Confederation. The King and Queen will arrive at the Senate in a royal carriage led by 28 RCMP horses. A full military ceremony and 21-gun salute will follow.
