Tories, Bloc Call on House Speaker to Resign Over Message at ‘Partisan Event’

Greg Fergus’s recorded video message thanking the departing interim leader of the Ontario Liberals was played at the party’s leadership convention.

Speaker Greg Fergus makes a Speaker's Statement before Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Oct. 18, 2023. The Canadian Press/Justin Tang

House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus has apologized for a video message he recorded that was played during an Ontario Liberal leadership convention over the weekend, while some opposition parties are calling for him to step down over the issue, citing impartiality concerns.

“It should not be seen as partisan to recognize a colleague’s departure. It is an act of friendship and respect. That said, I would like to apologize and reassure members that this kind of event will not happen again,” Mr. Fergus told MPs in the House of Commons on Dec. 4.