MPs re-elect Liberal Anthony Rota to be House of Commons Speaker

Members of Parliament have re-elected Liberal Anthony Rota as Speaker of the House of Commons.

His re-election was no surprise as he had been widely praised, even by opposition parties, for deftly steering the House through the COVID-19 pandemic.

The last parliamentary session was unprecedented, with the introduction of a hybrid format to give MPs the option to participate virtually in proceedings to avoid spreading the virus.

Rota had also been widely praised for his calm demeanour refereeing the Commons during what were often heated exchanges among MPs from rival parties.

Six other MPs ran for the Speaker's post: three Conservatives, one Liberal, one New Democrat and one Green.

As Speaker, Rota is entitled to a salary of $269,800 and access to an official residence, The Farm, in Gatineau Park across the river from Parliament Hill.