Mr. Chair, I wish to start by acknowledging that we are on the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin people, who have lived here for millennia. We recognize the enduring presence of first nations, Métis and Inuit peoples in this territory.

Decorum, civility and respect for Parliament and the office of the Speaker have declined at an accelerating pace over the last decade. From 2003 to 2017, not a single member of Parliament was asked to withdraw for disregarding the authority of the Speaker. Compare that to the last eight years, when nine members have been kicked out of the chamber for violating the rules of debate, refusing to withdraw unparliamentary language, failing to apologize for their conduct and defying the Speaker. I have witnessed almost all of these incidents, and, frankly, there should have been more expulsions.

What is worse is that this lack of respect for Parliament has actually been used as ammunition to raise funds. Sadly, this demonstrates the current state of decorum. It is not okay. That is why I stand before you to offer my candidacy for the office of Speaker, and I do so with some degree of optimism.

We, the members, are the only ones who can restore respect for our institutions. Roughly one-third of the members in the House today are new. I assume that none of them campaigned on a promise to be the best heckler or to figure out how to insult or belittle other members, let alone the Speaker.

I have no doubt that they promised to passionately, vigorously and effectively represent the voices and values of their constituents and to remain focused on them rather than the next Instagram reel. Newly elected members have an important role to play in the reset that is needed to restore respect in the House and in the Speaker's office.

I also hold out hope for returning members in wanting a reset. After thousands of interactions with constituents during the course of the campaign, I cannot imagine that anyone held up the current state of civility in Parliament with pride. We owe Canadians a genuine effort to raise the bar in how we treat each other. A new session with so many new faces offers a fresh start and a real chance to lead by example.

If you agree that the conditions and the timing are right to make a meaningful change, then I offer my experience and approach to lead that reset.

Before entering into politics, I was a lawyer and businessman. As a litigator, I had a duty to uphold the administration of justice. Professional courtesy toward opposing counsel and zealous representation of my client were integral to that duty. Experience and mastery of procedural rules were essential to being effective. That career instilled in me the principles of fairness, structure and impartiality, which are essential qualities for the speakership.

I was first elected to Parliament in 2011. For four years, I was one of only two new members of the third party. After winning re-election in 2015, I was successively appointed parliamentary secretary for three different ministers. More recently, I chaired two standing committees.

I became an MP at 48 and have since focused on becoming bilingual. I obtained level C last year. I am extremely proud of that accomplishment.

I have served with four different Speakers and have learned what works and what does not. First, it is vitally important for the Speaker to set the tone early and rigorously. A collegial approach, cajoling repeat offenders, has proven ineffective. The current state of debate requires the consistent application of progressive discipline. I offer the experience, the tone and the temperament to deliver exactly that.

I would be honoured, with your support, to lead a collective effort to rebuild respect in Parliament.

Sean Casey

$522,698.00