Nathan Cooper, new Speaker of the legislature

May 22, 2019 | 6:38 AM

Alberta has a new Speaker of the legislature.

Nathan Cooper, a member of the United Conservative caucus, will preside over and keep order on debates in the house.

Cooper is a second-term member representing the riding of Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills.

He defeated NDP member Heather Sweet in a secret ballot of all members of the legislature.

Cooper is 39, making him one of the youngest to ever hold the Speaker’s post.

He will be tasked with keeping decorum in a debate chamber known for fiery outbursts and cross-aisle verbal attacks.

He says he’ll be learning on the job, but hopes to strike a balance between lively debate and respect for the institution.

Failing that, the father of three joked that he may have to employ what he calls “his best dad voice” to keep MLA’s in line.

The legislature session begins tomorrow with a speech from the throne and the introduction of a bill to repeal the province’s carbon tax.

by The Canadian Press