Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker has officially been named Deputy Speaker of the Ontario legislature.
The legislature resumed sitting at Queen’s Park in Toronto on Monday, (Oct 4th) with the Speech from the Throne.
Today, Walker was appointed to the position of Deputy Speaker and Chair of the Committee of the Whole House.
Walker, who was government whip in 2018, then minister of government and consumer services following that in 2018/19 and was associate minister of energy from 2019 until the Legislature rose for the summer in 2021, says he’s never had a role as one of the presiding officers of the legislature and is looking forward to it.
He says, “I really like the traditions of government and parliament and our history. I look forward to doing my best to uphold those principles and protocols and making sure that we operate and proceed over the legislature as it’s expected to be, and keep rule and order in the House.”
He says, “I think it’s a humbling experience to be a part of that very select group of people,” expressing his thanks to his colleagues for their support and confidence.
The Speaker of the House presides over proceedings in the Legislative Assembly. Deputy Speakers assume the chair in the House in the absence of the Speaker. There are also three other Deputy Speakers: NDP MPPs Lisa Gretzky, Jennifer French and Percy Hatfield.
Progressive Conservative House Leader Paul Calandra told a press conference Monday he planned to table a motion to remove Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Rick Nicholls from his post as Deputy Speaker, and replace him with Walker. Nicholls was booted from the Ontario PC caucus in August over his COVID-19 vaccination status and now sits as an independent.
Nicholls announced this morning he would be stepping down immediately.
Walker notes, while sitting in the chair as Deputy Speaker, he must be impartial. But unlike the Speaker, who because of their role, doesn’t attend caucus meetings or participate in debates, Walker will still be part of the Progressive Conservative Caucus and can participate in debates and other business normally conducted by an MPP, just not while doing any of the official duties of the speaker.
Walker will first be in the chair as Deputy Speaker Wednesday morning at 9 (Oct 6th) until question period when Speaker of the House Ted Arnott will chair.
A video of the motion appointing Walker to the position can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqMigWCHsi4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqMigWCHsi4