Ottawa-Vanier Liberal MP Mauril Belanger has been diagnosed with ALS and is withdrawing from the race to become Speaker of the House.
Belanger, who has been a member of Parliament since 1995, said in a statement that he visited his doctor on Friday and was diagnosed with the disease – also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He withdrew his candidacy for Speaker on his doctor’s advice.
He intends to remain on as MP.
Local media reports suggest that he has had a weakened voice recently, which prevented him from doing media interviews or speaking on the phone over the past few months.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted his support on Monday:
Acting Conservative leader Rona Ambrose also offered her support:
Liberal MPs Geoff Regan, Denis Paradis and Yasmin Ratansi, have also expressed an interested in running for the Speaker’s chair.
Rookie Winnipeg MP Robert-Falcon Ouellette had put his name forward, but withdrew over the weekend after controversial remarks he made about the position.
Electing the Speaker is the first order of business in the Commons once the 42nd session of Parliament begins on Thursday and must be done before the speech from the throne can be read the next day.
Belanger’s statement, sent to his Parliamentary colleagues, is below:
Dear Colleague,
Last Friday, I met with highly respected Ottawa neurologist, Dr. Pierre Bourque. After undergoing a series of tests, he has diagnosed me with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. It is an incurable disease.
Under the doctor’s advice, I have decided to withdraw my candidacy for Speaker of the House of Commons today but shall continue as the proud Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier.
I wish to thank everyone who has encouraged me and supported my candidacy for Speaker. I will be eternally grateful. Thank you to my election team and the voters of Ottawa-Vanier for the privilege of serving them.
I look forward to seeing you all at the Opening of Parliament.
Sincerely,
Honourable Mauril Bélanger, P.C., M.P.
Ottawa-Vanier
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