Cecil Clarke Re-elected Speaker of House

Cecil Clarke was re-elected the Speaker of the House of Assembly and veteran MLA Wayne Gaudet the deputy Speaker in unanimous votes by members of the Legislative Assembly today, June 29.

A former cabinet minister, Mr. Clarke was first elected to the House of Assembly in March 2001 and was voted Speaker for the first time in February.

Mr. Clarke thanked his colleagues for the honour and promised to preserve the "prestige and high tradition" of the office with the assistance and co-operation of his peers.

The Speaker of the House presides over the Legislative Assembly, maintaining order, and regulating debate in accordance with the House rules and practices. The Speaker decides questions of order, rules on questions, ensures that all viewpoints are heard, protects the rights of all members and casts the deciding vote in the event of a tie.

The deputy Speaker, who is also a former cabinet minister and Speaker, will perform the Speaker's duties when Mr. Clarke is not available and will also act as chair of the Committees of the Whole House.