Canada Compares Itself to Athens, While the U.S. to Rome! Why Are They Doing This?

In the opening session of Canada’s new minority Parliament on Monday, Members of the House of Commons elected Francis Scarpaleggia, a Liberal MP representing a Montreal-area riding, as their new Speaker. The election featured references to ancient Greece and affirmations of Canadian democratic strength.

Scarpaleggia, 67, first elected in 2004, pledged to foster “robust debate” while maintaining decorum, addressing concerns raised by several candidates for Speaker about recent tensions and a decline in respectful conduct within the House.

Prior to the vote, Scarpaleggia emphasized the responsibility of MPs to cultivate parliamentary democracy in an increasingly turbulent global environment. Drawing on themes of Canadian nationalism, particularly in light of trade disputes and annexation threats from the U.S. under President Trump, he spoke of Canada’s distinct values in North America and likened the nation to the ancient Athenian democracy.

“Our neighbour to the south may be modern-day Rome. We are Athens — in culture, values and democracy,” Scarpaleggia stated, urging MPs to embrace this self-perception.

Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed this sentiment in his inaugural address from the House floor. Predicting a “golden age,” Carney, who campaigned on a platform of Canada winning the trade war against the U.S., declared, “Yes, we are Athens. They are Rome,” adding in French, “we will triumph.”

Scarpaleggia succeeds Greg Fergus, a Quebec Liberal MP who was among five other Liberals unsuccessful in their bid for the Speakership. Two Conservative MPs, Chris d’Entremont and John Nater, withdrew their candidacies before the vote, ensuring that a member of the governing Liberal party, which holds 169 seats, would preside over the minority Parliament.

The session marked the House’s first sitting since the previous December, with numerous new members present. Mark Carney, newly elected in the Ottawa riding of Nepean, was seated prominently on the government side, observing the proceedings as Speaker candidates delivered speeches outlining their qualifications for the role. Several candidates called upon the 343 MPs of the 45th Parliament to demonstrate their worthiness of their positions in Canada’s democratic chamber.

Sean Casey, a long-serving MP from Charlottetown, P.E.I., passionately argued that the House had suffered from a lack of decorum. Without specifying incidents, he alluded to past expulsions of Conservative MPs. He advocated for a “consistent application of progressive discipline,” suggesting that more expulsions should have occurred in the previous Parliament, a remark met with laughter and chatter from Conservative benches. This was also seen as an indirect critique of Greg Fergus, the outgoing Speaker elected in 2023.

Fergus acknowledged the challenges faced by the House during his tenure, including calls for his resignation from the opposition Conservatives and Bloc Québécois over alleged partisan activity. He compared himself to a vehicle that, despite being bumped around, can still function, noting that “you learn the role through experience.”

Toronto MP Rob Oliphant emphasized a “woeful lack” of respect for Parliament recently. He argued that decorum is best achieved when MPs trust the Speaker’s impartiality, recalling an instance where a disapproving look from a previous Speaker was sufficient to prompt him to retract an unparliamentary comment. Oliphant also humorously referenced his background as a United Church minister, stating, “people have often asked, ‘What’s the difference between being an MP and clergy?’ I pray more now.”

Other Liberal MPs who ran for Speaker included Sherry Romanado and Alexandra Mendès, both of whom spoke to the importance of Parliament and the need for civility.

Following Scarpaleggia’s election, Opposition Leader Andrew Scheer, standing in for Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre who did not win a seat in the recent election, expressed confidence that the new Speaker would uphold the authority of Parliament against the executive branch. Scheer alluded to past delays caused by the Liberal government’s refusal to release documents related to a controversy at a Crown agency. He also referenced recent instances of unparliamentary behavior.

However, Scheer stated that “debates should be passionate” and urged Scarpaleggia to allow opposition MPs to hold the government accountable. He added that the significance of parliamentary decisions in Canadians’ lives necessitates enthusiasm and even fiery exchanges, suggesting that sometimes it is best to allow a degree of latitude in debates.

Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet expressed hope for a “convivial” parliamentary session and asked MPs to reflect on the “importance” and “privilege” of democracy, expressing optimism for improved tone and collaboration under Scarpaleggia’s leadership.

NDP Interim Leader Don Davies noted the global challenge to public trust in institutions, emphasizing the critical importance of the Speaker’s role. Alluding to the Athenian theme, he humorously suggested, “this House should have more Plato and less mediocrities,” urging MPs to honor the trust placed in them by Canadians by rising to the occasion.