The institutions which our ancestors established to to sustain and defend democracy in this country are still with us today, more than two hundred ye… - John Allen Fraser

A careful and sympathetic sense of humour can also be a great asset when there is need to get out of difficult situations gracefully.

The office of Speaker is almost as ancient as Parliament itself. It emerged in the Middle Ages when the Commons - the ordinary people - of England needed a spokesman in their dealings with the King, someone who would voice their grievances and present their petitions. This was by no means a safe or easy thing to do at that time, and potential spokesman generally had to be pressured into accepting the responsibility.

On a craggy bluff above the majestic Ottawa River stands the remarkable embodiment of our system of governance: Parliament.