NDP MP Carol Hughes named Deputy Speaker

OTTAWA – People in Northern Ontario will be seeing more of NDP MP Carol Hughes (Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing) during televised parliamentary debates now that she has been named Assistant Deputy Speaker and Deputy Chair of Committee of the Whole in the 42nd Parliament.

“This is a great honour and privilege to have received the trust of my caucus and parliamentary colleagues and I look forward to playing an integral role in making the House more functional and less partisan,” said Hughes. “There is a real appetite for a more respectful parliament.”

The appointment was announced in the House of Commons late Monday and will see Hughes join two other Parliamentarians in supporting the role of Speaker of the House, Geoff Regan. While serving the House as a Deputy Speaker, Hughes will continue to defend the interests of her constituents.

“Although I will no longer have a critic portfolio, I will still be able to introduce legislation and work on issues important to all Northerners,” added Hughes. “I think this is recognition of the fact that I have been fair and respectful while performing my role in previous parliaments, and I will continue to stand up for Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing at every opportunity.”

Hughes began her role in the chair immediately, presiding over Tuesday morning’s debate.