Comments on: Oh, it’s on: Two more MPs join the Race for Kingsmere

By: Macleans.ca - “The question is,” said Humpty Dumpty, “Which is to be master — that’s all.” (An ITQ Poll!)

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:38:54 +0000

[...] his bicorn associate deputy speaker’s hat into the ring, we now have at least five MPs vying for the chance to sit in the Big Chair, which may actually be a Canadian parliamentary record for a race in which [...]

By: Kady O'Malley

Kady O'Malley — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 15:16:45 +0000

You know, I’m not sure — we’ve never actually had a situation where an incumbent Speaker has failed to win reelection. I’ll see if I can find out, though.

By: Scott M.

Scott M. — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 14:50:19 +0000

Kady… just out of curiosity, how long does Milliken have to vacate the house should he not win re-election?

By: RyanD

RyanD — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 19:36:32 +0000

I have to admit I know almost nothing about Barry Devolin but his letter there intrigues me. He talks up his ability to be fair and to “restrain partisanship” but he lists being a Special Advisor to Mike Harris from 1995-2000 (one of the most hideously partisan periods of political history anywhere in Canada) as well. Since I know next to nothing about this gentleman I am quite curious as to what his role was in the Harris government and how that relates to his current character and aspirations. Was he the exception to the rule amongst the Harrisites (who tended to have a with us or against us approach)? If anyone can shed a bit of light on this one for me I’d appreciate it.

By: Barb

Barb — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 16:20:17 +0000

Yes….I could see Joe Comartin in this role. Gutsy and has integrity so in that way it would be a loss of a fine mp

By: Blue Like You » Blog Archive » Is it time to dethrone Milliken?

Blue Like You » Blog Archive » Is it time to dethrone Milliken? — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 15:04:37 +0000

[...] I’m not familiar with the three listed contenders, but Kady O’Malley has found two more names to throw into the mix: Conservative Barry Devolin and (surprise!) NDP Joe [...]

By: PhantomObserver

PhantomObserver — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:15:19 +0000

Sandi: probably because the new women coming in don’t have enough experience to be Speaker, and the women with the right level of experience want to focus more on representing their riding (or don’t have their ambitions pointed in that particular direction).

By: Sandi

Sandi — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 08:06:03 +0000

No women have applied? Why not?

By: Two Cents

Two Cents — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 03:43:54 +0000

Whatever happens Milliken needs to be replaced..I think Andrew Scheer would make an excellent Speaker. He is fluently bilingual, represents a Western riding and demonstrated fairness in his role as Deputy Speaker, something that is not always easy for one of the youngest MPs. Hey, we could be looking at a 30-year career a Speaker here.

By: dan in van

dan in van — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 03:42:23 +0000

Oh, but i’d also agree that Comartin would make a tremendous speaker. I’m thinking that Milliken has little chance of retaining his comfortable chair.

By: dan in van

dan in van — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 03:41:12 +0000

I’m curious as to why Harper is allowing his ferns to go for this position, since it would take one person off the voting rolls (not that his gov’t will hinge on one less bobblehead). I’m certain you’ll agree that his reputation as a master strategist should have all democratic watchers going ‘hmmmm’…

By: Lord Bob

Lord Bob — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 01:10:56 +0000

There are three hundred and eight members of the House of Commons. Could it [i]possibly[/i] have taken that long to write “Dear Dr. Martin, congratulations on winning Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca!” with appropriate variations three hundred and eight times? What’s with this generic form letter crap?

That’s the kind of dedication I demand from a Speaker!

By: Dot

Dot — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 01:00:24 +0000

ITQ will be rooting against him all the way to the final ballot for the very simple reason that the House needs more opposition MPs like Joe Comartin, not less. (Sorry, Joe. We mean it in the best way possible.):

Joe Comartin has put in his time admirably as an MP since 2000, and has performed well despite the rather acrimonious environment he has been witness to all around him. I have seen little evidence that the current Speaker has done much to curtail the downward spiral, and needs to be replaced.

As Speaker, he would be compensated at a level equivalent to a Minister:

Speaker of the House of Commons Salary $74,400.00
Speaker of the House of Commons Car Allowance $1,061.00
Speaker of the House of Commons Rent Allowance $3,000.00

Rooting against someone for the reasons outlined is just plain silly. If merit is the basis for promotion to Speaker, Comartin is well suited based upon his past performance in the HofC and in committees.

I wish him well. Perhaps awarding someone on merit would inspire others to perform up to the same standards he exemplified.

Why keep a tall poppy in a crowded flowerpot full of weeds?

By: Sisyphus

Sisyphus — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 23:19:31 +0000

I agree Comartin is more useful as a man among the mice.

But he would make an excellent speaker.

Wonder if it’s saying something about Happy Jack ?

I think you should elbow your friend Pat Martin into running.

By: Wassim

Wassim — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 22:26:48 +0000

I like Comartin’s pitch.

I find Peter Milliken to be unfit for the job. Any serious person sitting in the Speaker’s chair would never/should never tolerate behaviour like we saw recently in the House of Commons.

Good luck to any candidate who promises decorum and respect in the 40th Parliament.