30 year old Cathy Wong is the new speaker for Montreal city council, and becomes the first female to hold the position as well as the first member of an opposition party to assume the role.
Wong is a member of Equip Coderre but says she believes the party can work with Montreal mayor Valerie Plante and Projet Montreal.
The move comes following criticism of the city's new executive committee for its lack of visible minorities. Wong was a guest on the Aaron Rand Show, and feels her appointment is about more than her heritage. She believes her experience at City Hall as well as her time as president of Montreal's Womens Council will serve her well in her new role. She also says that its important to be more inclusive, especially when it comes to answering questions from citizens of all backgrounds.
Plante acknowledges her choice of Wong does meet that criteria, but the mayor says she wanted to appoint a female she feels is competent for the role.
Wong will be responsible for leading city council meetings, making sure debates are held in a respectful manner, as well as to ensure the rights of citizens coming in to ask the councillors whatever questions they may have.