August 2023

I was glad to join some of my colleagues in late July to attend the 59 th Canadian Regional Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in Regina, Saskatchewan.

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) brings together 180 Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures to advance the highest standards of democratic governance and parliamentary practice. Its meetings are nonpartisan. When we gather, we share best practices, with the express purpose of strengthening our system of parliamentary democracy at home
and around the world.

As the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, I was asked to present my thoughts on the subject of “Debate and Decorum: Staying Above the Political Fray,” as part of a panel with Brossard-Saint-Lambert MP Alexandra Mendes and Speaker Nathan Cooper of Alberta.

The following is a number of the points I made in my remarks:

“If Canadians think Question Period is a travesty, why is it that those of us who have the power to change it, don’t?

The answer is elusive. And complex. But it’s clear that we could, if we chose to, and in doing so raise the standard of parliamentary debate generally, and the respect that voters have for us specifically.

And while there is a time and a place for partisanship, are we too partisan, too much of the time?

I think most Canadians…would say that yes, we are.

And is there too much heckling in our Parliament and Legislative Assemblies?

Most of the people who elected us to serve them would say yes, there is.

Can Members effectively represent their constituents and make a positive difference, while taking a less partisan approach to their day-to-day responsibilities?

Can more of us look for opportunities to work together across party lines on issues important to our constituencies, and in doing so rise above the fray?

I know that many of you here agree that we should, and know that we can.