It is indeed a great honour to be entrusted with this task. On this first day of autumn I would like to extend a most cordial welcome to all, in particular to the 90 newly elected parliamentarians who are now sitting in the House, which has been extended to 301 seats. Six seats have been added to reflect the increasing number of Canadian electors.
The task we have ahead of us today is very simple and straightforward, to elect a Speaker according to the terms of Standing Orders 2 through 6 in chapter 1.
I draw the attention of hon. members to the fact that pursuant to the standing orders, we will begin with the list of candidates, but first with the list of members who have withdrawn or who are ineligible as candidates. Members will find this list on their desks. It is also available at the table.
The list of eligible members has also been placed on each member's desk. It is available at the table and posted at each voting station.
After the Clerk has unsealed the ballots, the Chair will suggest a method of proceeding which will help to accelerate the voting process.
As we are now going to commence voting, I would remind the honourable members to print the first and last names of their candidate on the ballot paper.
I suggest that members leave their desk, exit through the curtains and come to the table using the doors on the left and right sides of the chair on their respective sides of the House. The Clerk will issue to each member a ballot paper.
Will the hon. members please leave the voting area after voting.
The polling booths are now open to vote.
The polling booths are now open.
(Members were issued ballots and marked their ballots in secret at voting stations)