Alfie MacLeod Elected Speaker

Alfie MacLeod was elected the Speaker of the House of Assembly in a unanimous vote by members of the Legislative Assembly today, Oct. 25.

Mr. MacLeod was first elected in 1995 and served until 1998. He was most recently re-elected in June 2006. Mr. MacLeod resides in Gabarus Lake, Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

Mr. MacLeod 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.