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Regina MP Andrew Scheer could make history today

Jun 2, 2011 | 8:32 AM

Regina-area MP, Andrew Scheer, could make history today by becoming the youngest Speaker in the history of the House of Commons.

Scheer, 32, is among the eight MPs running for the position of Speaker of the House of Commons in Ottawa today. A secret ballot will be held to choose the winner. If selected he would be the first member from Saskatchewan to be elected to the post.

He must get a majority of votes, which, Scheer says, he's hoping won't be as difficult as his party's majority.

“The nice thing about multiple votes is that it’s all done in the same day, not like over many years as it’s taken the Conservatives to obtain a majority,” he laughed during an interview on Wednesday.

If selected, Scheer will be tasked with overseeing debate and enforcing parliamentary rules. The speaker must remain impartial, but he insists constituents will still be represented if he gets the spot.

“It’s a different role but the ultimate nature of (me) as a representative of the people of Regina-Qu’Appelle doesn’t change at all and I still, above all else, put that as my most important responsibility.”

news@panow.com