Election of Deputy Speaker (26 November 2024)

From Hansard (26 November 2024)

 

Election of Deputy Speaker

Speaker Goudy: — Members of the Legislative Assembly, it is my duty to inform you that Blaine McLeod, the Hon. Member of the Legislative Assembly from Lumsden-Morse, has been elected by acclamation as your Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees of the Whole Assembly.

I recognize the member from Lumsden-Morse.

Blaine McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is indeed an honour to join you as Deputy Speaker for this Assembly, and we appreciate the vote of confidence given on behalf of those on the floor here. Just a few words in terms of my acceptance of this role. I recently had the opportunity . . . Let me just back that up just a moment.

You spoke of being a referee, and I don’t think the stripes suit you really that great, but I think of it more as one who is a guard over what is really an esteemed and hallowed place that we sit in. And so I know in the past that when I’ve seen referee stripes, I have had occasions to remark to those that were within earshot that I wasn’t really pleased with those kinds of remarks. But I look forward to you being the custodian of this Chamber, and I’m pleased to serve with you in that regard.

Recently I had the occasion to hear remarks relayed to me from an esteemed philosopher and teacher Rabbi Jonathan Sacks as I attended an event at Beth Jacob Synagogue. And Jonathan Sacks posed three questions that a thinking person must ask, and it’s made an impact on my life in terms of how I approach the role as an MLA [Member of the Legislative Assembly]. Who am I? — question 1. Why am I here? And how then shall I be?

So who am I? Well I’m the MLA from Lumsden-Morse. I’m a son. I’m a brother. I’m a husband. I’m a father, a grandfather, and a second-generation dairy farmer and a proud member of the family of Bob and Ruth McLeod. And why am I here? I want to help lead our province so that every member of the province, Mr. Speaker, can not only survive but thrive in this beautiful province.

And how then shall I be? I will be respectful of each and every one I come in contact with and to always be mindful of the fact that each person who sits in this esteemed House has gained the trust and respect of their constituents. And together I join with the words of the Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition in stating that I will serve the good people of Saskatchewan.

So practically, what does that mean? Number one, I believe that having constructive debate that delivers better decisions as an outcome. Good constructive debate brings that kind of conclusion. And I believe that our debate must always be focused on policy, never on personal attacks. And we will disagree; absolutely we will disagree. But let’s agree to disagree with decorum and honour — both sides of the House.

And what does it mean to have a sense of decorum in this Chamber? For me, it means that correct and proper behaviour that shows respect and good manners. We spend a lot of time together, likely more time in the next two weeks than we will spend with our families. And at times we may get under each other’s skin. I can actually guarantee that, that it will happen. And when it does happen, taking a moment, counting to three, and taking a deep breath will allow us to make a responsible response, all of us.

So I commit to adjudicating fairly and supporting our Speaker in this House and facilitating wholesome debate and decorum that honours all who sit in this Chamber. May God bless us all. Thank you.