NDP seeking 'tough measures' against Speaker Fergus, stop short of calling for resignation
CTV
Embattled House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus may be able to weather the current political firestorm over his personal video message to a long-time Liberal friend, as the NDP revealed Tuesday they are pushing for sanctions, rather than his ouster.
Embattled House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus may be able to weather the current political firestorm over his personal video message to a long-time Liberal friend, as the NDP revealed Tuesday they are pushing for sanctions, rather than his ouster.
"We believe in taking tough measures, and the Speaker needs to respond to these tough measures, including imposing a financial penalty, ensuring that the Speaker apologizes again, and as well ensuring that the Speaker understands this is never to happen again," NDP House Leader Peter Julian told reporters in the House of Commons foyer ahead of question period.
This comes amid questions over whether the Procedure and House Affairs Committee (PROC) would be recommending Fergus resign, a call that would need the support of the majority of MPs to be included in the committee's report, due to the House on Thursday.
Fergus has been under scrutiny and called out by the entire House of Commons for breaching the expectations of impartiality that are essential to his high office, by filming a video for outgoing interim Ontario Liberal leader John Fraser in his Speaker's attire, which was then allegedly errantly played at a partisan event.
Throughout the controversy, both the Conservatives and Bloc Quebecois have been calling for Fergus to resign. Without the NDP's backing, it appears unlikely their push will be enough to pressure the relatively newly-elected Speaker to step aside.
Julian said the NDP also wants to see the Speaker's job description beefed up to include more direct language around the importance of maintaining impartiality, and a codification of the parameters of what would be considered partisan conduct.
"We believe these are vitally important to maintain confidence in the institution," Julian said.