The Deputy Speaker is appointed from among the Members. When the Speaker is absent, the Deputy Speaker takes the Chair and performs all the duties of the Speaker.
When the House goes into a Committee of the Whole House, the Speaker leaves the Chair and the Deputy Speaker takes over as chair of the Committee. The Deputy Speaker maintains order in the Committee of the Whole House and decides all questions of order subject to an appeal to the Speaker.
By Resolution of the House on June 25, 2009, it was agreed that there be one Deputy Speaker appointed from each of the three caucuses.
The Deputy Speakers are:
The Deputy Speakers
Becky Kent
MLA, Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage
Leo Glavine
MLA, Kings West
Alfie MacLeod
MLA, Cape Breton West
Speaker's Chair with Mace in cradle