Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, Monday 12 April 2021
On the opening day of the 50th General Assembly, April 12, 2021, the House met solely for the election of a Speaker. After a proclamation from the Lieutenant-Governor and two rounds of balloting among five candidates, Derek Bennett, Member for Lewisporte - Twillingate, was elected Speaker. The House also observed a moment of silence for the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, received confirmation of the Speaker from the Lieutenant-Governor, deferred appointment of a Deputy Speaker, and adjourned until April 15.
Other business
Proclamation summoning the 50th General Assembly
Clerk (Barnes)
The Clerk read a proclamation from the Lieutenant-Governor summoning the 50th General Assembly for the dispatch of business and directing Members to proceed to elect a Speaker.
Election of the Speaker
Clerk (Barnes)
The Clerk outlined the balloting process and named the five candidates (Derek Bennett, Paul Dinn, Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Scott Reid, Brian Warr). After a first ballot produced no majority (Gambin-Walsh eliminated) and a second ballot, Derek Bennett, Member for Lewisporte - Twillingate, was declared elected Speaker of the 50th General Assembly.
Speaker's acceptance remarks
Speaker (Bennett)
The newly elected Speaker expressed his honour, thanked the other candidates, his family, constituents and House staff, welcomed new Members, and pledged to enforce respectful debate.
Moment of silence for Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Speaker (Bennett)
The Speaker offered condolences to the Royal Family on the passing of Prince Philip, reflected on his visits to the province, and led the House in a moment of silence.
Approbation of the Speaker by the Lieutenant-Governor
Premier A. Furey
The Premier presented the elected Speaker to the Lieutenant-Governor, who approved and confirmed him; the Speaker claimed the House's traditional rights and privileges, which the Lieutenant-Governor confirmed.
Deferral of Deputy Speaker appointment and adjournment
S. Crocker
The Government House Leader advised that a motion to appoint a Deputy Speaker would be brought forward later, then moved to adjourn the House until Thursday, April 15 at 10 a.m., which carried.
This is Tabled's summary of the sitting, written from the official record; Hansard is only ever quoted at the link above. Search Newfoundland and Labrador Hansard for the words themselves, or read this sitting in the archive.