Trudeau & O'Toole Just 'Dragged' Canada's New Speaker & The Tradition Is So Weird (PHOTOS)
The photos are just ... bizarre. 👇😬
Are you ok, Anthony? Liberal MP Anthony Rota has officially been re-elected Speaker of the House of Commons, and he restarted the role in the weirdest way ever.
On Monday, November 22, the House reconvened for the first time in nearly nine months, following an election campaign that didn't actually change too much.
The first order of business was to elect a new Speaker, whose role it is to "interpret parliamentary rules and traditions in an impartial manner," among other duties.
Mister Speaker, congratulations on your re-election! This is a historic moment of change and opportunity for our country, and I know you\u2019ll continue to serve Parliamentarians well as you guide us - and the work we do in the House - forward. https://bit.ly/3xbLHxE\u00a0pic.twitter.com/RhX4Qprepm— Justin Trudeau (@Justin Trudeau) 1637625111
Anthony Rota beat out six other candidates in Monday's vote, including former Green Party leader Elizabeth May.
To acknowledge his reelection — per tradition in the House of Commons — Rota was physically (but jokingly) dragged to the Speaker's chair by Justin Trudeau and Erin O'Toole. Yep, really.
It's a custom that dates back centuries to the British Parliament, when the speaker's job was to communicate the Commons' opinions to the monarch. If the monarch didn't like the opinions — well — let's just say it would end badly for the speaker.
For that reason, the role historically was not a popular one, and previous parliamentarians would need some "gentle persuasion" to convince them to do it, hence the dragging!
It's not the first time Rota has been dragged along by his colleagues, either.
Back in 2019, Justin Trudeau and then-Conservative leader Andrew Scheer joined together to physically haul him to the seat.
Fortunately, both times Rota has taken the tradition in good spirits and laughed (for the most part) as he was heaved along. Fortunately, the chances of him being killed by the queen these days seem pretty unlikely.
Congratulations, Mister Speaker! Your new role is so important to the House of Commons and Canadian democracy. I know you\u2019ll serve it well.pic.twitter.com/OkTlW1CgI9— Justin Trudeau (@Justin Trudeau) 1575572773
"Anthony Rota is respected and recognized as a skilled Parliamentarian," Trudeau wrote in an official statement.
"I offer my congratulations to Speaker Rota on his re-election and look forward to continue working with him – and all members of the House – to finish the fight against COVID-19 and build a better future for everyone."
- Justin Trudeau Posted A Video About His Trip To Washington & It's ... ›
- 9 Hilariously Awkward Justin Trudeau Moments You May Have ... ›
- Justin Trudeau Impersonations By A Canadian TikToker Are So ... ›
- Canada's Throne Speech Included A Cameo From The 'Usher Of The Black Rod' & WTF - Narcity ›
- Canada's Throne Speech Included A Cameo From The 'Usher Of The Black Rod' & He Looked FANCY - Narcity ›