The Speakers of the Canadian House of Commons

Hon. Geoff Regan
P.C., B.A., LL.B. (2015 - 2019)

Geoff Regan was elected as Speaker of the House of Commons on December 3, 2015, and is the first Speaker of the House of Commons from Atlantic Canada in almost a century. In his first address as Speaker, and in several interventions since that time, he has continued to emphasize the importance of elevating the tone in the House and to restoring decorum by calling for mutual respect among all Members.

Speaker Regan was first elected to the House in 1993. Since his election, he has served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons (2001 to 2003), Minister of Fisheries and Oceans (2003 to 2006) and Regional Minister for Nova Scotia (2004 to 2006). He played an important role in the 2005 Atlantic Accord, signing on behalf of the federal government. He served as the Liberal critic on several files, including natural resources, industry, and consumer affairs. He also served as a Vice-Chair for several House committees.

Speaker Regan hails from a deeply political family. His grandfather, John Hornby Harrison, was the Member of Parliament for Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, from 1949 to 1957. His father, the Hon. Gerald Regan, was also a Member of Parliament as well as a two-term Premier of Nova Scotia. Speaker Regan’s wife, the Hon. Kelly Regan, is a prominent political figure, currently serving as Nova Scotia’s Minister of Labour and Advanced Education.

Before entering politics, Geoff Regan practiced law in Halifax. An active community volunteer, he has served on the boards of organizations including the Bedford Board of Trade, the Metro Food Bank and Beacon House, a charitable organization that provides assistance and programs for those in need.

Previous Speaker: Hon. Andrew Scheer