OTTAWA – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is urging Canadians to donate to research into Lou Gehrig’s Disease as the House of Commons pays a unique tribute to one its own ravaged by the devastating disease.
Veteran Liberal MP Mauril Belanger was appointed unanimously by his peers to sit briefly as honorary Speaker, the first time such a distinction has been accorded to anyone.
READ MORE: Mauril Bélanger: Meet the honorary Speaker of the House of Commons
Belanger was diagnosed last November with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease – an incurable, progressive, neurodegenerative disease that causes muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventually, respiratory failure.
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Rona Ambrose, Justin Trudeau congratulate Mauril Bélanger on honorary Speaker position -
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Mauril Bélanger receives standing ovation during Question Period -
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Mauril Bélanger, MP diagnosed with ALS, takes over Speaker’s chair -
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Mauril Bélanger gets his chance to be Speaker of the House -
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Liberal MP Mauril Bélanger on why he wanted to be Speaker -
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Mauril Bélanger: In the words of his friends
Trudeau was among the cabinet ministers, MPs, senators, Parliament Hill staff, family and friends who lined the corridors of Centre Block to applaud and cheer as Belanger, clutching a walker, marched laboriously in the traditional parade from the Speaker’s office to the Commons.
No longer able to speak, Belanger used a tablet computer that converted pre-programmed text into speech to open today’s sitting of the Commons, with a prayer and the singing of O Canada.
He also presided over members’ statements and the opening round of question period, which Trudeau, Conservative interim leader Rona Ambrose and NDP Leader Tom Mulcair used to praise Belanger’s 21 years of public service and pledge support for ALS research.
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