Ms. Elizabeth May (Saanich—Gulf Islands, GP):
Mr.
Speaker, it is my great pleasure to congratulate you on your victory today and
to commend, as well, the honourable members who all spoke so eloquently of the dreams
we share for a House of Commons that lives up to the aspirations of the
citizens of Canada, who desire nothing more than that they can allow their
children to watch question period without fear of learning bad habits.
I
have heard such good and strong sentiments today, and I want to speak
personally to you, Mr. Speaker.
Congratulations.
Today I am very proud of your efforts and your hard work. When the time came to
elect a new speaker, the members decided to elect someone quite young.
I
am speaking frankly. We know you are a young Speaker, but this is a young
House. We have more young members of Parliament than we have had before and, as
the only woman leader of a federal political party, I note with pride we have
more women, at 25%, in the House of Commons.
Perhaps
with this new spirit of co-operation we can indeed deliver greater decorum,
greater co-operation and greater respect. I am very proud to join the leader of
the official opposition in pledging that my entire caucus will not heckle.