The Canadian Region.

• Position: CPA Activities

New Nova Scotia Speaker

Victoria-The Lakes MLA Keith Bain was elected Speaker of the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly on September 24. The long-time Progressive Conservative MLA, who was nominated by Premier Tim Houston, defeated New Democratic MLA Lisa Lachance. The vote took longer than usual as MLAs present lined up in groups to cast ballots in recognition of COVID-19 restrictions.

First elected in 2006 and re-elected three times subsequently, Speaker Bain told his colleagues he had been "honoured by the House" following his selection.

In describing Speaker Bain, Premier Houston said he's "a thoughtful person, he's an honest person, he understands the legislature.... He's been a good MLA who cares about Nova Scotians [and] he will be an excellent Speaker."

During his time as an MLA, Speaker Bain has served as Deputy Speaker, Chair of the Progressive conservative caucus, and on the Public Accounts Committee and the 2011 Select Committee on Establishing a Nova Scotia Electoral Boundaries Commission.

Prior to becoming an MLA, Speaker Bain was an elected member of the Victoria District School

Board, President of the Victoria County Fire Chief, a business owner and a volunteer for many community organizations.

New Nunavut Speaker

Gjoa Haven MLA Tony Akoak was acclaimed as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly at the Nunavut Leadership Forum on November 17, 2021. Two days later, he took the Chair at the first sitting of the territory's 6th Legislative Assembly.

First elected in 2013 and re-elected in 2017 and 2021, Speaker Akoak served as a Deputy Chairperson of Committee of the Whole during the 4th and 5th Legislative Assembly. Speaker Akoak was previously employed as a public servant with the Legal Services Board of Nunavut. His professional experience also includes management positions with Arctic Cooperatives, Ltd.

Speaker Akoak has also volunteered as a Community Aerodrome Radio Station Observer/Communicator for search and rescue operation.

Outside of work, Speaker Akoak's interests include hunting, camping and cooking. He and Annie Akoak have two children.

Regional Executive Committee, CPA *

PRESIDENT Ted Arnott, Ontario

FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT Randy Weekes, Saskatchewan

SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT Colin LaVie, Prince Edward Island

PAST PRESIDENT Keith Bain, Nova Scotia

REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES

Vacant, Federal Branch Randy Weekes, Saskatchewan Francois Paradis, Quebec

CHAIR OF THE CWP, CANADIAN SECTION (Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians) Fisa...