Hon. members, I humbly thank the House for the great honour it has bestowed on me by choosing me as Speaker. I sincerely thank members for their confidence.
On behalf of everyone here, I want to thank the dean of the House, the member for Bécancour—Nicolet—Saurel—Alnôbak. I thank him for his knowledge, his humour and his perspective as an experienced parliamentarian.
I also want to congratulate my colleagues who were candidates in today's vote. I congratulate them on their inspiring and edifying speeches that made us all proud to say that we are members of the House.
I would also like to reserve a special mention and thanks to the member for Hull—Aylmer, who took the reins of the Speakership at a difficult moment, at the end of a mandate, when things tend to get a little feistier.
I would remind members that we are at the beginning of a mandate, in the selfish hope that they will afford me a little grace period.
Once again, thank you for your confidence. I have few words, because we all have things we want to accomplish, and we have been away. Thank you, colleagues.
And the mace having been laid upon the table: