Clearly, it is not easy to be Speaker of the House of Commons in 2023.
• Read also: The fate of new president Greg Fergus will be studied by a committee
• Read also: Partisan event: Speaker of the House of Commons asked to resign
After Anthony Rota who had to resign after recognizing in the House the presence of a former Nazi fighter, it is now Greg Fergus who has placed himself in an uncomfortable position.
Mr. Fergus made a video to pay tribute to Ontario Liberal Party (OLP) interim leader John Fraser before new leader Bonnie Crombie was declared the winner in the third round.
The new Speaker of the House filmed this video without his office in his robe. When we know that a president does not participate in the weekly meeting of his caucus or even in the congress of his political party, we understand that Mr. Fergus has committed a serious error.
Previous
In the past, Greg Fergus has violated the Conflict of interest law by sending a letter to the CRTC to support the request of the television channel Natyf TV.
In his decision, Commissioner Mario Dion said: I find it very worrying that someone with the vast experience of Mr. Fergus would not recognize a possible contravention. Given his years of experience and his position within government, Mr. Fergus should have been aware of these rules and should have sought advice from the Office before writing his letter. »
So, are we surprised to see Mr. Fergus send such a video broadcast in a partisan context? By really. Former interim leader John Fraser tried to defend his friend, but it was too late.
Mr. Fergus should have known that this video was not appropriate especially since everyone knew that the new leader of the PLO was going to be elected last Saturday.
The other parties
The Conservatives and the Bloc are calling for the resignation of Mr. Fergus, they are right.
Alexandre Boulerice of the NDP said: “I think it’s irresponsible at this time to ask for his resignation. » So, would the NDP have asked for his resignation if the incident had taken place at the start of the session?
If so, the NDP is missing their point. We don’t judge a situation based on when it happens during the year.
When it’s serious, you act quickly, especially when confidence in the president is shaken. But hey, common sense and the NDP rarely go well together.