Speaker Greg Fergus 'deeply sorry' for controversial video, vows to regain MPs' trust
Embattled Speaker Greg Fergus said he made a "serious mistake" filming a video for the Ontario Liberal convention, a move that spurred calls for his resignation from a role that's meant to be impartial.
"I am deeply sorry. I want to reassure members that nothing like this will ever happen again," he told the House of Commons Friday morning.
Fergus has been at the centre of controversy since the beginning of the month after filming a 105-second video — in his office, wearing his Speaker's robes — paying tribute to John Fraser, the outgoing interim leader of the Ontario Liberal Party.
His Friday comments from the Speaker's chair come the day after most MPs on the House of Commons committee looking into his actions recommended he face disciplinary action. The committee also called on Fergus to apologize in the House and pay a fine.
But the decision was not unanimous. Conservative and Bloc Québécois committee members demanded that Fergus resign, arguing that he had lost the confidence of both parties.
In Canada, Speakers are supposed to significantly limit their partisan activities once they take office. A Speaker does not attend party caucus meetings, vote in the House (except in the event of a tie) or participate in debate.
"To those members who have generously extended me a second chance to serve as Speaker, I say thank you from the bottom of my heart," Fergus said.
"To those members who are opposed to the second chance, let me say I can understand your point of view and I will spare no effort to regain your trust."
In his Friday address Fergus said his office will implement "a more rigorous communication protocol to protect the neutral role of the Speaker." He also said he will make sure future requests are subject to "intense scrutiny."
"It is essential that the Speaker be impartial and nonpartisan. In every act, every gesture, and every appearance" he said.
"I accept full responsibilities for my actions. I pledge to fulfill every measure that was recommended by the committee's report."
