SoVote

Decentralized Democracy

House Hansard - 228

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
October 3, 2023 10:00AM
Context: House Hansard - 228 - Oct/3/23
Mr. Jagmeet Singh (Burnaby South, NDP)
  • Oct/3/23 1:52:03 p.m.
  • Watch
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the entire NDP, I would like to congratulate you on your victory today. I also want to acknowledge the work you have done for your riding as MP for Hull—Aylmer since 2015. Let me just say—and I know many other members would say it, too—you always offer a wonderful smile and friendly greeting to everyone. It is fair to say, without much exception, that you are one of the friendliest members of Parliament, and it is great to see you in the chair now. Congratulations. I know this has been said, but I want to underline what having you elected means. First of all, I want to acknowledge the humility that you expressed when saying that people do not go to a match to watch the referee; they go to watch the stars. You started off with a message of humility, which is very powerful. I also want to acknowledge the incredible weight that you now bear and the incredible feat that you have achieved. When people walk the halls of this place and look at the pictures on the walls to be reminded of some of the great achievements of Canada and some of the grave errors we have made as a nation, they are one day going to see your face on the walls of this chamber. What is that going to mean to kids visiting from far and wide who come to the capital city? There are kids who have come here and not seen themselves reflected on the walls, and that is going to change now. That is very powerful. I know you know how important that is, and it brings me to my next point, which is the incredible role that you will now have to play to restore the honour of this chamber, something you mentioned in your speech as well. We know there is going to be, and rightly so, increased attention on all parliamentarians and on this House. I have no doubt that you will be able to satisfy your responsibilities with the utmost capacity, but it is indeed an increased responsibility. I also know that there are deep concerns about divisions in politics and the polarization of debate. While vigorous debates are of course important, there is a certain tone and decorum that must be upheld. Going back to kids visiting this place, sometimes when school kids are watching the elected officials of this country engaging in debate, I am embarrassed that they are watching people yelling outlandish things and acting as if it is cool to be yelling at someone while they are speaking. I hope you can restore some decorum. It is important. Everyone is going to have a chance to share their viewpoints, but it should be done in such a way that people are able to express them and then sit down. Then someone else can respond and rebut. I hope you can create that decorum, restore the prestige of this place and restore confidence in the important work that happens here. I thank you so much for putting your name forward, and congratulations on being elected. I look forward to working with you.
538 words
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border