Progressive-Conservative MPP Donna Skelly has been selected by the members of Ontario’s legislature to serve as the province’s first female Speaker.
Skelly, a former television reporter, has been serving as the PC representative for the Hamilton-area riding of Flamborough-Glanbrook since 2018, and previously held the position of Deputy Speaker.
She assumes the position of the 43rd Speaker of Ontario following the retirement of Ted Arnott, who had served in the role for nearly seven years.
“It’s overwhelming,” she told reporters after the vote. “It’s 2025, and yes, we’re just now electing a female Speaker. But it is such a privilege. It really is. When I say I’m humbled, I genuinely, I really am. I’m very emotional. It’s just so incredible.”…