MPP Arnott running for Speaker of Ontario Legislature

As the first order of business in the upcoming Fall Sitting of the Ontario Legislature, MPPs will elect a new Speaker to replace the outgoing Speaker, the Hon. Alvin Curling.

Waterloo-Wellington MPP Ted Arnott has announced that he wants to serve as Speaker and he is seeking the position.

“The Speaker plays an essential role in our Provincial Parliament. Like a judge or referee, the Speaker must preside fairly and impartially over the proceedings,” Mr. Arnott said. “I believe I have something to offer. I would enjoy the challenge and be honoured to serve the House and all of my colleagues in this capacity.”

MPPs elect their Speaker by a secret ballot, and that election is expected to be on October 11th.

“The reality is, this is a long-shot election for any member of the Opposition. The Liberals have a large majority Government, presently holding 70 seats. The PCs have 24 and the NDP are at 8,” Mr. Arnott explained. “If the voting cuts along party lines alone, my chances of winning will be limited. Nevertheless, I believe that there must be a competition of ideas so that MPPs have a choice.”

Mr. Arnott, a 15-year veteran MPP and one of the Assistant Speakers in the House, sent a letter to MPPs to respectfully ask for their vote. Stating that he has always endeavoured to be non-partisan and fair to all MPPs while in the Chair, he challenged them to think about the secret ballot vote to elect the Speaker:

“For many years the Speaker of our House was effectively appointed by the Premier of the day. We should not turn back the clock.”

“For a variety of reasons, many people in Ontario have grown cynical about the work that is done by their elected representatives. To have any hope of changing that impression, we need to start with the way we fill the Speaker’s chair. With the election of our next Speaker, I believe that we have an opportunity to send a message about the positive role that we envision for the Ontario Legislature, and for the people who we are all so privileged to represent.”

Mr. Arnott plans to continue his campaign in the coming weeks by presenting specific ideas from his platform to MPPs as well. Citing one issue, he noted that debate in the Ontario Legislature can become disruptive.

“MPPs should stand up and speak on behalf of their constituents, so the Government is held accountable. The Government must be able to respond to present its case. There are times however, when tempers flare up and the heckling and other disruptions make it impossible for reasonable debate to take place. If entrusted as Speaker by MPPs, I would do everything I could to maintain civility and decorum that would facilitate responsible public discourse in our House,” Mr. Arnott said.

“I hope to give MPPs something to vote for and I look forward to a positive campaign,” said Mr. Arnott.