The list of MPs trying to unseat Peter Milliken from his Speaker's chair in the House of Commons is growing. Now, Windsor-Tecumseh NDP MP Joe Comartin will stand for Speaker of the House of Commons, as will Barry Devolin, the Conservative MP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock.

In an interview with CBC News, Comartin said he is a hard line, reform-minded candidate for Speaker. He believes Milliken, a Liberal MP, hasn’t done enough to enforce order and decorum in the House of Commons. “I believe there are additional authorities the Speaker could exercise to bring greater control into the House”, he said. The hallmark of Milliken’s style as speaker has been diffusing tension and hostility with humour. Comartin said should he become Speaker, he will refuse to recognize disorderly members when they rise to ask or answer questions. He would also skip a question by a party should there be collective inappropriate behaviour. Comartin admits he has his work cut out for him. He has a week and a half to reach across party lines and convince enough members from all sides of the house to support him. “Ultimately I’m hoping and expecting it will come down to Peter and I”, he said. Earlier in the week, CBC News reported that Conservative MP and assistant deputy Speaker Andrew Scheer will stand for Speaker, along with Merv Tweed a Conservative from Manitoba.

MPs will elect a speaker on Nov. 18.

Krista Erickson