Medicine Hat MLA elected Speaker of the 29th Legislature

Robert Wanner, the NDP MLA for Medicine Hat, was chosen as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly on Thursday, June 11.

Alberta MLAs voted in a secret ballot Thursday to select the new Speaker – replacing former Speaker Gene Zwozdesky.

Before the votes were cast Thursday, MLAs brought forward nominations for the position.

The first nomination came from NDP MLA for Wetaskiwin-Camrose Bruce Hinkley, he nominated fellow NDP MLA for Medicine Hat Robert Wanner. The nomination was accepted.

The second nomination came from Wildrose MLA Angela Pitt, who nominated PC MLA Sandra Jansen – a nomination that was declined.

Then, PC MLA Richard Starke nominated fellow PC MLA Dave Rodney. Rodney accepted the nomination.

Pitt stood once again and nominated Calgary-Varsity NDP MLA Stephanie McLean – a nomination that was declined, McLean said as deputy government whip, she can’t hold both positions.

Finally, Another Wildrose MLA, Leela Sharon Aheer, then stood, and nominated NDP MLA for St. Albert Marie Renaud – that nomination was also declined.

MLAs cast their votes in a secret ballot after nominations closed – within less than half an hour the results were in.

MLA Robert Wanner was selected as Speaker.

After the vote, MLAs were then set to select a Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees, and a Deputy Chair of Committees.