MLAs select Wanner as Speaker
First act is moment of silence for fallen Const. Daniel Woodall
Medicine Hat New Democrat MLA Bob Wanner was voted Speaker of the 29th legislature Thursday in an election many saw as a foregone conclusion.
While the Speaker is elected through a secret ballot by MLAs of all parties, the governing NDP caucus and Premier Rachel Notley had already endorsed Wanner for the job three weeks ago.
That public endorsement of Wanner, the former public services commissioner for the City of Medicine Hat, was criticized by opposition parties that said the government was politicizing the non-partisan Speaker’s chair.
The Wildrose caucus in response pushed MLAs to elect a woman for the role. Airdrie MLA Angela Pitt reminded her colleagues they could make history by electing a female Speaker because the premier, incoming lieutenantgovernor and chief justice of the province are all women.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, truly, and I have to do my small part to make it a reality,” Pitt said.
But one by one, the Wildrose’s nominees for Speaker — Tory MLA Sandra Jansen and NDP MLAs Stephanie McLean and Marie Renaud — each declined the opportunity.
In the end, only Calgary Tory MLA Dave Rodney and Wanner remained contenders, but with the NDP government holding a 53-seat majority, the outcome wasn’t a surprise.
Wanner was given a long and warm standing ovation as a legislature page presented him with his robe and traditional tricorne hat as he assumed the chair as Alberta’s 13th Speaker.
“I would humbly ask for your patience, your support and your advice as we move through the next four years together,” Wanner said after he took the chair.
His first act as Speaker was to lead a moment of silence for Edmonton police Const. Daniel Woodall, who was killed in the line of duty Monday.
Wanner, 66, replaces outgoing Tory MLA Gene Zwozdesky, who lost his seat in the May 5 election. Zwozdesky had served as Speaker since 2012.
Peace River New Democrat Debbie Jabbour was elected deputy speaker and chair of committees, while Edmonton-Rutherford New Democrat Richard Feehan was elected deputy chair of committees.
While the Speaker of the assembly is typically a member of a political party, Wanner must maintain complete impartiality in applying the rules of the legislature.
His primary function is to maintain decorum. He cannot participate in debates and may only vote to break a tie. Wanner will chair the members’ services committee and serve as head of the non-partisan Legislative Assembly Office.
The role of Speaker will give Wanner a salary bump of $63,648 on top of the $127,296 all MLAs earn. It also gives him access to a small apartment in the legislature. Jabbour will get an extra $31,824, while Feehan will receive an extra $15,912.
The session will continue Monday with a speech from the throne. MLAs will debate an interim supply bill to fund continued government operations through the summer until a budget is passed in the fall.