Parliament of Canada

PARLIAMENT of CANADA

PARLINFO

House of Commons Section
Officers and Officials of Parliament Political Officers - House of Commons - Deputy Chairs of Committees of the Whole
1938 to Date
On February 11, 1938, the Standing Orders of the House were amended to provide for the appointment of a Deputy Chair of Committees of the Whole. The tenure of this office, however, is for a single session rather than for a Parliament.  Whenever the Chair of Committees of the Whole is absent, the Deputy Chair is entitled to exercise all the powers vested in the Chair of Committees of the Whole, including the powers as Deputy Speaker.  After the first appointment, the position was left vacant for nine years and then from 1947 until 1953, only being filled when necessary.  In 1953 and subsequent years, the practice of appointing a Deputy Chair for a session was firmly established. 
(Source: House of Commons Procedure and Practice. Edited by Robert Marleau and Camille Montpetit. 2000 Edition.)

NamePolitical Affiliation
during Tenure
Term (year)
Devolin, Barry Conservative 2011 -
Savoie, Denise New Democratic Party 2008 - 2011
Galipeau, Royal Conservative 2006 - 2008
Proulx, Marcel Liberal 2004 - 2006
Bélair, Réginald Liberal 2001 - 2004
McClelland, Ian G. For the first time, a member of the Official Opposition was appointed to the position. (Canada. Parliament. House of Commons House of Commons procedure and practice Ottawa : House of Commons, c2000) Reform 1997 - 2000
Milliken, Peter Andrew Stewart Liberal 1996 - 1997
Kilger, Robert (Bob) Mr. Kilger’s appointment was agreed by the House on a recorded division (Journals, February 27, 1996, p. 3). This marked the first occasion that the motion for this position was adopted on a recorded division. (Canada. Parliament. House of Commons House of Commons procedure and practice Ottawa : House of Commons, c2000) Liberal 1996 - 1996
Maheu, Shirley Liberal 1994 - 1996
Paproski, Steve Eugene Progressive Conservative 1984 - 1993
Herbert, Harold Thomas Liberal 1984 - 1984
Blaker, Roderick Liberal 1982 - 1984
Éthier, Denis Liberal 1980 - 1982
McCain, Fred Alward Progressive Conservative 1979 - 1979
Turner, Charles Robert Liberal 1975 - 1979
Penner, B. Keith Liberal 1974 - 1975
Laniel, Gérald Liberal 1970 - 1974
Béchard, Albert Liberal 1968 - 1970
Rinfret, Maurice Liberal 1966 - 1967
Batten, Herman Maxwell Liberal 1963 - 1965
Paul, Rémi Progressive Conservative 1962 - 1963
Chown, Gordon Campbell Progressive Conservative 1961 - 1962
Rea, Charles Edward Progressive Conservative 1958 - 1961
Casselman, Arza Clair Progressive Conservative 1957 - 1958
Applewhaite, Edward Turney Liberal 1953 - 1957
Robinson, William Alfred Liberal 1952 - 1953
Beaudoin, Louis-René Liberal 1949 - 1952
Golding, William Henry Liberal 1947 - 1949
Johnston, John Frederick Liberal 1938 - 1938

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the preceding information. Precise appointment dates prior to those listed cannot be determined. Should you find any errors of omissions, please contact us at the following e-mail address: parlinfo@parl.gc.ca. ^

Updated on: 2011.06.06

Revised on: 2011.06.07

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