Members of Parliament were back in Ottawa Thursday, as the first session of the 43rd Parliament got started in the House of Commons. The day included the election of the speaker for the House of Commons, as well as the Speech from the Throne, delivered by the Governor-General Julie Payette.

MP’s elected in Anthony Rota as the speaker, one of five members who was seeking the role. Rota is a Liberal MP for the riding of Nipissing—Timiskaming in Ontario.

Souris-Moose Mountain MP Dr. Robert Kitchen said the job of the speaker can be a challenging one as he looks to make sure everyone’s voice is heard.

“There is 338 of us, I guess 337 if you take him out, but the bottom line is that is the opportunity for us to be heard, and be fair about it, so we look forward to how that transitions over the next year,” Kitchen told Discover Weyburn.

As for the new speaker himself, Kitchen had praises for the man elected to the role by his peers in the House of Commons.

“This will be a great role,” Kitchen stated. “Anthony I’ve known for the last four years, and I find him to be a very honourable human being.”

The day for the federal parliamentarians ended with the Throne Speech, which was heard in the Senate. Now, Members of Parliament will debate the agenda outlined by the government in the speech, with a vote expected before the House of Commons takes a break for the Christmas holidays.