September 12, 1968 (28th Parliament, 1st Session)

Mr. David Lewis (York South):

Mr. Fraser, we already have had the experience and the pleasure of having Mr. Lamoureux as a Speaker, and he has always displayed fairness, kindness and wisdom. What more could we ask of the man who is now our Speaker?

I note, Mr. Fraser, that Mr. Lamoureux is sitting in the opposition benches of the chamber, determined to show his independence even before he is officially elected Speaker. This is perhaps characteristic of the man's sense of propriety, and humour as well.
I want to agree with the right hon. Prime Minister and the Leader of the Official Opposition on behalf of my colleagues and myself with the necessity of constitutional arrangements in respect of a permanent Speaker in this house, without any constituency in the land being deprived of the opportunity of an electoral contest. That step will receive all

September 12, 1968
Election of Speaker
our support. I also noted that the right hon. Prime Minister, as an expert lawyer, emphasized the fact that the Speaker must be able not only to interpret the rules but also to distinguish them when the situation requires. In that agile effort of applying the rules with impartiality and good nature to the particular situation, Mr. Lamoureux has already shown himself to be a master.
It is with very deep pleasure that we of the New Democratic party support his candidature for this office and offer him the cooperation which I know he will receive from all hon. members of the house.