House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus has successfully defended his position against a Conservative attempt to remove him.
The motion to remove Fergus failed with a vote of 142-168, as the NDP joined forces with the Liberals to support him, accusing the Conservatives of undermining democracy and its independent institutions.
This marks the third time in less than eight months that the Conservatives have called for Fergus to resign.
They claim Fergus is too partisan, citing incidents such as his decision to expel their leader, Pierre Poilievre, from the House for calling the prime minister a “wacko.”
Additionally, the Conservatives requested Fergus’s resignation after a video tribute at a provincial party convention where Fergus wore his Speaker’s robes.
The most recent controversy arose when the Liberal party posted a video promoting a summer barbecue event featuring Fergus with partisan language without his consent.
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Manitoba Conservative MP James Bezan criticized Fergus, stating that he has lost the trust of the House.
“In baseball, three strikes and you’re out, and this is the fourth occasion that the Speaker has engaged in partisan activities and speeches,” Bezan remarked in the House.
Following the website invitation incident, the Speaker’s office provided the original event information without any partisan language.
Subsequently, the Liberal party apologized to Fergus at the request of the New Democrats.
Although the Tories called on the NDP to support Fergus’s removal, NDP House leader Peter Julian dismissed the idea.
“I am troubled by the Conservatives’ attacks on everything they don’t control,” Julian stated.
The Bloc Québécois aligned with the Tories, but the Liberals and NDP had enough votes to defeat the motion.
Government House leader Steven MacKinnon accused the Opposition of trying to obstruct government work and sow distrust in democratic institutions.
“Their aim is to create chaos and disorder,” MacKinnon declared in the House.
Fergus chose not to comment on the situation.
“It would not be appropriate for me to comment on a matter before the House,” he stated.
Following the video incident, Fergus apologized and explained that the video was intended for a friend and not for public viewing.
A House of Commons committee investigated the matter and recommended disciplinary action, resulting in a $1,500 fine for Fergus.
