Peter Milliken Won't Run Again

FiveParadox

Governor General
Dec 20, 2005
5,875
43
48
Vancouver, BC
It is expected that, next week, The Honourable Peter Milliken M.P. (Kingston and the Islands), the Speaker of the House of Commons, is going to announced his intention to not stand during the next general election. The stately member of the Commons for Kingston and the Islands since 1988, Mr. Milliken is now Canada’s longest-serving holder of the speakership, having now presided over the House for nine years.

Mr. Milliken has undoubtedly held one of the most interesting speakerships in Canadian history. The Speaker only casts a vote when a question is tied; this has only happened eleven times, and six of these were during Mr. Milliken’s term. The current Speaker is the only holder of the office to have ever had to break a tie on a motion of confidence, making history when he voted in favour of a motion that saw to the survival of Her Majesty’s Government for Canada under The Right Honourable Paul Martin P.C., the 21st Prime Minister.

Mr. Milliken is respected by both sides of the House, and has been elected by his colleagues for four parliaments in a row to represent the House and to preside over its proceedings. He is most definitely going to be a figure very much missed on Parliament Hill. I can only hope that the Speaker during the next legislature is going to be able to demonstrate as much non-partisanship and wisdom as has Mr. Milliken.

But is his political career really over?

There is speculation mounting in Ottawa that Mr. Milliken might in fact be appointed the next Governor General of Canada. Representatives for the Prime Minister’s Office have stated that The Right Honourable Stephen Harper P.C., M.P. (Calgary Southwest), the Prime Minister, has not yet decided who is to succeed the current vicereign. If rumours of an autumn election campaign ring true, then the timing would seem to be perfect for Mr. Milliken to make the move to Rideau Hall.

Source
 

FiveParadox

Governor General
Dec 20, 2005
5,875
43
48
Vancouver, BC
Mr. Milliken has been one of our most non-partisan Speakers to have ever held the office, presiding over the House during Governments of both the Conservative Party and Liberal Party. I think that he would make a fantastic viceroy.
 

Machjo

Hall of Fame Member
Oct 19, 2004
17,878
61
48
Ottawa, ON
Mr. Milliken has been one of our most non-partisan Speakers to have ever held the office, presiding over the House during Governments of both the Conservative Party and Liberal Party. I think that he would make a fantastic viceroy.

What? You wouldn't want a partisan viceroy? No mudslinging? No hitting below the waist? Party pooper!

Where's the fun in a non-partisan viceroy?

Just kidding of course. On a serious note, obviously we want out GG to be non-partisan.