Irrespective of my written efforts to decline the opportunity to become speaker, fate has decreed, with a little help from Canada Post, that I must consider it. Therefore, consider it I have.
Despite my desire to have what may be a better seat in the House, I am making the difficult decision to decline. I would have liked to see a francophone included on this list. However, I must withdraw my candidacy for the honour of being Speaker of the House.