In the heart of our capital today, two significant events converged to create quite the buzz around Parliament Hill. The arrival of Their Royal Highnesses coincided with MPs gathering to select a new Speaker of the House following last month’s unexpected resignation.
The royal couple touched down at Ottawa International Airport shortly after 10 a.m., greeted by a small delegation of officials including our Governor General and the Minister of Canadian Heritage. Despite the light drizzle, a crowd of about 200 royal enthusiasts lined the barricades, waving small Canadian and British flags.
“I’ve been waiting since 6 a.m.,” shared Maureen Fletcher, an Ottawa resident who brought her granddaughter to witness the occasion. “It’s important for younger generations to experience these traditional connections to our history.”
The four-day royal tour marks the couple’s first official visit to Canada since 2022 and includes planned stops at the National War Memorial, Rideau Hall, and several community organizations across the capital region.
Meanwhile, just blocks away, a different kind of Canadian tradition unfolded as Members of Parliament convened for the first order of business in the new parliamentary session – electing a new Speaker.
The unusual mid-session selection follows former Speaker Andrew Thompson’s resignation last month amid controversies over procedural rulings that drew criticism from multiple parties. Five candidates put their names forward, each making their case during brief speeches that highlighted the need for decorum and respect in parliamentary proceedings.
“The Speaker’s chair isn’t about power – it’s about service to this institution and to Canadians,” noted veteran MP Susan Leblanc during her candidacy speech. “We need to restore public confidence in how this place functions.”
Parliamentary experts suggest this selection carries particular weight given the increasingly fractious atmosphere in the House in recent months.
“The Speaker selection happens at a critical juncture when parliamentary decorum has deteriorated significantly,” explains Robert Marleau, former Clerk of the House of Commons. “Whoever takes the chair faces the challenging task of maintaining order while ensuring all voices are heard.”
The voting process, conducted by secret ballot, stretched through early afternoon as MPs filed through the voting booths behind the curtains at the back of the chamber. By tradition, the newly elected Speaker is “dragged” to the chair by the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader – a ceremonial nod to historical times when the role carried significant danger as the bearer of bad news to the monarch.
Local businesses around Parliament Hill reported increased foot traffic as both events attracted visitors and media to the downtown core.
“We’ve seen about double our usual Monday crowd,” said Jasmine Khoury, manager at a popular coffee shop on Wellington Street. “Between the royal watchers and the political staffers buzzing about the Speaker vote, it’s been non-stop since morning.”
Security measures were visibly enhanced throughout the parliamentary precinct, with RCMP officers and parliamentary security personnel maintaining a heightened presence. The Parliamentary Protective Service issued an advisory about temporary road closures and enhanced screening procedures.
Community organizers have planned several events to coincide with the royal visit, including a charity garden party tomorrow at the Ornamental Gardens near Dow’s Lake and a special concert featuring local musicians at the National Arts Centre.
“These royal visits always bring a certain energy to the city,” observed Councillor Catherine McKenney, who represents the downtown ward. “Beyond the ceremonial aspects, they create opportunities for community groups to showcase important work happening in Ottawa.”
Back on Parliament Hill, the selection of a new Speaker represents more than just filling a procedural role. The position carries significant responsibility for maintaining the traditions and integrity of our democratic institutions.
As both events unfold this week, they offer a unique glimpse into the blend of tradition and governance that defines our capital city. Whether you’re interested in constitutional monarchy, parliamentary procedure, or simply enjoying the pageantry, Ottawa certainly stands at the center of Canadian civic life today.
The royal itinerary and Speaker selection results will be updated on our website as developments occur throughout the day.
