I just came back from the House of Commons foyer where I was taping a segment for broadcast this weekend on CTV Ottawa and noticed that the Commons was filled with university students from Queen’s University in Kingston, holding what is, I understand, a model Parliament.
As I peeked in, I couldn’t help but notice that the Speaker of the House for the day’s session was none other than Green Party leader Elizabeth May — perhaps getting some a taste of what she hopes will be full-time occupancy in that chamber.
Maclean’s Ottawa gadfly Kady O’Malley also got a chance to be Speaker for a few hours, before being replaced by some guy named John Baird, and she’s got a great post about presiding over a mock emergency debate on the Chalk River shutdown:
During my hour of ultimate parliamentary power, I recognized members, ruled on points of orders, said 'Order, order,' while giving the whole room my best 'watch it' face, and generally had the time of my life. I even got to preside over a vote. All told, by the time my replacement — a jovial fellow by the name of John Baird — showed up to take my spot, I wasn't remotely ready to hand over the robes. If only there was some way to become Speaker without going through all that bother of being elected to the House of Commons, it would totally be my dream job.