Mr. Speaker, my hon. colleague knows very well that we have embarked on a new process for appointing senators. This process is much more open and transparent, and people across the country will be able to participate.
With respect to the Prime Minister's decision to appoint a new Speaker of the Senate, we chose a parliamentarian with tremendous integrity and considerable experience. This is the first time we have had someone from Newfoundland and Labrador as Speaker of one of our houses of Parliament.