Canada's House of Commons on Tuesday (Oct 3) elected&nbsp;Greg Fergus as its new speaker, making him the first Black Canadian to take charge of the top post. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the members of the 338-seat House voted for Fergus in a secret ballot. Fergus came ahead of candidates including fellow Liberal MP Sean Casey, Conservative Chris d'Entremont, and Green Party leader Elizabeth May.

"Today you're the first Black Canadian to become speaker.&nbsp;It should be inspiring for all Canadians, especially younger generations who want to get involved in politics," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.&nbsp;

Fergus' appointment comes after previous speaker&nbsp;Anthony Rota resigned last week after inviting former Nazi soldier&nbsp;Yaroslav Hunka to the Canadian Parliament.&nbsp;

Without knowing Hunka's full background, Rota publicly recognized him as a veteran soldier for Ukraine and a hero who had emigrated to Canada, prompting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to formally apologize for the gaffe last week.

The House speaker is meant to be an impartial arbitrator of parliamentary procedure, seeking to maintain order and decorum during debates. The speaker votes only to break a tie, and plays a ceremonial role as an institutional representative of parliament.

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Canada's House of Commons on Tuesday (Oct 3) elected Greg Fergus as its new speaker, making him the first Black Canadian to take charge of the top post. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the members of the 338-seat House voted for Fergus in a secret ballot.

Canada's House of Commons on Tuesday (Oct 3) elected Greg Fergus as its new speaker, making him the first Black Canadian to take charge of the top post. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the members of the 338-seat House voted for Fergus in a secret ballot. Fergus came ahead of candidates including fellow Liberal MP Sean Casey, Conservative Chris d'Entremont, and Green Party leader Elizabeth May. "Today you're the first Black Canadian to become speaker. It should be inspiring for all Canadians, especially younger generations who want to get involved in politics," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said. Fergus' appointment comes after previous speaker Anthony Rota resigned last week after inviting former Nazi soldier Yaroslav Hunka to the Canadian Parliament. Without knowing Hunka's full background, Rota publicly recognized him as a veteran soldier for Ukraine and a hero who had emigrated to Canada, prompting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to formally apologize for the gaffe last week. The House speaker is meant to be an impartial arbitrator of parliamentary procedure, seeking to maintain order and decorum during debates. The speaker votes only to break a tie, and plays a ceremonial role as an institutional representative of parliament. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Greg Fergus becomes first Black Canadian to be elected as House speaker

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Greg Fergus becomes first Black Canadian to be elected as House speaker