TORONTO — The members of Ontario's legislature have chosen Donna Skelly as the province's first female Speaker, a milestone she calls remarkable, if not many years too late.
"It's overwhelming," she said outside the chamber on Monday shortly 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."
Skelly has represented the Hamilton-area riding of Flamborough-Glanbrook for the Progressive Conservatives since 2018 and has served as a deputy Speaker.
The only other candidate for Speaker was Jennifer French, who has represented Oshawa for the NDP since 2014. As Skelly went around the chamber to be congratulated by the leaders of all four parties, she stopped to give French a hug, wiping away a tear afterward.
Members on all sides erupted into louder applause and cheered the moment of collegiality.
Skelly, who entered politics after a 30-year career in broadcast journalism, said she wants to bring a more professional tone, with "less chaos" to question period.
"Politics is a very, very tough sport," she said. "It's a blood sport, and especially with social media, there are a lot of attacks on our politicians. We don't need to be attacking each other in the House. You can be passionate, but let's not make it personal."
Premier Doug Ford, speaking earlier in the day on the assumption Skelly would win, said the day was historic.
"It's amazing that we have a woman as the Speaker, and I'm actually shocked it's taken this long to happen, but we're glad we're the first government to have a woman Speaker," he said.
Equal Voice, a group that advocates for improving gender representation in politics, called the day long overdue.
“Women have long been leaders in their communities, but have too often been underrepresented in the highest decision-making roles," interim executive director Lindsay Brumwell wrote in a statement.
"The election of Donna Skelly as Ontario’s first female Speaker breaks new ground and sends a clear message that progress is not only possible – it is happening."
Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie said her caucus congratulates Skelly.
"It's really a historic day," she said.
Skelly said she has heard from colleagues in all parties that they want to collaborate more.
"They still want to be able to criticize and challenge the people across the aisle, regardless of what political affiliation," she said.
"But I think it's important that we have far more respect, and in the long run, it will make our term here at Queen's Park not only more productive, but more enjoyable."
The vote for Speaker is one of the only times members cast a secret ballot, making it a free vote.
Electing a Speaker was the legislature's only order of business on the first day back after the February provincial election, and members are now set to return Tuesday for the government's speech from the throne that outlines its priorities.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 14, 2025.
Allison Jones and Liam Casey, The Canadian Press
