2nd Parliament of South America

[Barnes]

I rise this evening as the first Member of this Honorable House to speak in the new session.

For the House's general interest, I would like to inform Honorable Members, and in particular the Government, that I have unlocked all threads relating to the operation of the Parliament that were created by me in my capacity as Speaker of the Parliament.

This Parliament, the greatest body in our democratic institutions, is once again sitting and it must now deal with a Conservative Government free and independent of any coalition partner or agreements.  What will this new Government produce?  What will come of this Parliament?

It is with great excitement that I ask these questions, and it is will great vigor that the Members of the House on the opposition benches, and in particular in the Social Liberals, will probe, investigate, and question the Government.

We will support policies in the interest of the people and of the nation; we will oppose policies that run contrary to the best interests of those groups.

It is the expectation and the duty of the Government to govern; it is also the expectation and the duty of opposition parties to hold the Government to account before the Parliament.

It is the duty of all Honorable Members to act at all times in the greater interests of the people who have elected us to represent them in this place.  May all of our deliberations and decisions be guided by that fact and that mission.

I look forward to the months ahead.

[Barnes]

Per the Standing orders.

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[Barnes]

It would appear that Simfan has been elected Speaker. Congratulations, Mr. Speaker!

[Barnes]

I can speak on behalf of the Social Liberals in that we have no objection to the granting of leave.

[Barnes]

Abstain

[Barnes]

Mr. Speaker,

I inform the House that I will be on leave of the House until Monday, December 7. 

[Barnes]

I think that's an excellent idea.  There is definitely pressure on everyone at this time of year, and it's silly to expect the game to continue unaffected by that.  I would note that the presidential election is due to be held this month as well.

[Barnes]

Aye.