The Conversation

By Andrew Scheer

August 1, 2014

Convivium catches up with House of Commons Speaker Andrew Scheer on dealing with MPs who turn Parliament into adult daycare

C: Most of the time that you've been in politics, there has been a sense that people who seek to enter into the public life, or advance in public life, might have to trim or even hide their faith C: There's no shortage of stories of MPs whose families break apart after election to Parliament because of the pressures of political life, including the travel especially from western Canada Yes, there are times when you can see the temptation to take the bait on an accusation that may have been thrown at you, but it is a place where a lot of good can be done and where people who are virtuous and have passionate beliefs on important issues can stand as an example for others C: More is famous for many things, but he was actually Speaker of the House of Commons Outside of Question Period, the debate is often on point, on substance, and the questions back and forth to each other are much less personal When you first get elected, you're in your caucus; that's your team and you go into battle every day, but I really saw the importance of the Speaker and deputy speakers and other chairs being able to bridge that divide and look not at the partisan differences but at how we can all share the same goal, which is to improve our government and make Canada the best country in the world

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