Newly elected House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus issued an apology to Members of Parliament on Monday regarding a “personal” video tribute played at the Ontario Liberal Party leadership convention. However, the apology did not appease two opposition parties, which are now demanding his resignation, citing his “unacceptable” involvement in a partisan event.
The video tribute was dedicated to John Fraser, the outgoing interim provincial Liberal leader, who was succeeded by newly-elected Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie. In the video, Fergus, adorned in his traditional robe, addressed Fraser from his office. The video’s circulation on social media prompted swift condemnation from Conservatives, emphasizing the importance of the Speaker maintaining impartiality.
During the House of Commons session, Fergus, representing a Quebec riding as a Liberal MP, clarified that he was under the impression the video would be played at an “intimate party for a long-standing friend who was retiring.” Expressing regret, he acknowledged that instead, the “personal” message was featured at a convention for a party he does not belong to, in a province where he does not reside.
Fergus defended the intent behind the tribute, stating, “It should not be seen as partisan to recognize a colleague’s departure.” Despite the apology, Conservative House leader Andrew Scheer called for a parliamentary committee to investigate the incident. Scheer proposed that if Fergus’ assistant Speakers determine a “serious error of judgment” affecting Fergus’ leadership role, a motion should be initiated to refer the matter to the Procedure and House Affairs Committee (PROC) for evaluation of an “appropriate remedy.”
As the debate unfolded with Deputy Speaker Chris d’Entremont overseeing, calls for Fergus’s resignation emerged. While NDP MP Charlie Angus acknowledged the gravity of the situation, the New Democrats did not take a stance on whether Fergus should step down, and neither did any Liberal MPs. After more than an hour of deliberation, d’Entremont expressed his intention to review the matter and assured MPs of a prompt decision.
