The member for Lewisporte-Twillingate is signaling his intention to restore civility to the House of Assembly after being elected to the role of Speaker by his fellow MHAs.

Derek Bennett was elected on the second ballot as 39 of the Legislature’s 40 members got down to their first order of business after being sworn in yesterday morning.

He says now is the time for all parties to work together for the benefit of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

“There are times when things get heated,” says Bennett, but “people look upon us as leaders.” He promises to strictly enforce respectful debate in the House of Assembly.

Bennett was emotional as he thanked his family for their support. He referenced the difficulties presented by COVID regulations in not having his family present and offered a special mention of his two grandchildren who he doesn’t get to see often because of the pandemic: “Poppy loves you,” he told them from the Speaker’s chair.

The House has been adjourned until 10:00 Thursday morning when the Lieutenant Governor will read the Speech from the Throne.

Earlier Story

Derek Bennett, the Liberal member for Lewisporte-Twillingate has been elected by members of the House of Assembly as the new Speaker of the Legislature.

Bennett won the role in the second round of balloting.

Five members were seeking the role, former Speaker Scott Reid, Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Brian Warr, and Paul Dinn.

No clear majority was determined in the first ballot leading to a second ballot.

Bennett expressed his surprise at the outcome and thanked the House and his family for their support.

The provincial government is wasting no time getting back down to business.

The Speech from the Throne, which outlines government’s direction over the coming year, will be delivered in the House of Assembly this Thursday morning at 10 a.m.

The peech will officially open the first session of the 50th General Assembly.