Colleagues, I rise to make a statement in response to the tabling of the report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs yesterday.

I would like to thank my colleagues for their work and consideration of the serious matter before them.

I made a serious mistake. I should never have recorded that video, not in the Speaker's uniform, not in the Speaker's office and not for a friend who is an active politician. I am deeply sorry. I want to reassure members that nothing like this will ever happen again.

My office is putting in place a more rigorous communication protocol to protect the neutral role of the Speaker. I will ensure that requests are subject to intense scrutiny and considered in consultation with the House administration under the leadership of the Clerk to ensure the utmost impartiality. I will continue to rely on the sage advice and counsel of former Speakers and parliamentary experts in Canada and in other Westminster parliaments.

To those members who have generously extended me a second chance to serve as Speaker, I thank them from the bottom of my heart. To those members who are opposed to this second chance, let me say that I can understand their point of view and I will spare no effort to regain their trust.

To all members, my door is open. I want to hear from them so we can work together in collaboration. I ask them to please reach out.

It is essential that the Speaker be impartial and non-partisan in every act, every gesture and every appearance.

I know that this issue has become a distraction at a time of year when members' agendas are full and we have a busy legislative program. Allow me to reiterate how honoured I am to be your Speaker.

I accept full responsibility for my actions. I pledge to fulfill every measure that was recommended by the committee's report.

I thank members for their attention.

Greg Fergus

$480,916.00