New young Speaker Corey Tochor says he'll be fair but different

The new voice of parliamentary procedure in the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly just got younger. 

Corey Tochor was elected Speaker of the House on Tuesday at just 39 years old. The Speaker acts as a referee during debates in the legislature, makes sure all the rules are followed and doesn't vote unless there is a tie. 

When asked about why he wanted the job, he said it's "geeky" but very important.

"It's important especially in the house makeup that we have right now to ensure that all members from each side, their views are heard," Tochor said, referring to the strong majority the Saskatchewan Party holds with 51 seats compared to the Sask. NDP with just 10. 

Tochor, who is also the Saskatchewan Party MLA for Saskatoon Eastview, will take over from Dan D'Autremont. D'Autremont, one of the founding members of the Saskatchewan Party, held the role since 2011.

While D'Autremont's time as Speaker is coming to an end, his influence is not. Tochor said that over the years D'Autremont served as a bit of a mentor.    

"I bugged him a lot on different questions on procedural issues and that's kind of sparked my interest in becoming speaker," Tochor said. 

Now that he's stepped into the job, Tochor says things will be a bit different. 

Dress code 

Tochor fielded numerous questions from reporters about the strict dress code at the legislature, requiring full dress shoes and a suit with slacks for men. It's the Speaker's job to enforce the dress code. 

Tochor said open toed shoes are now a go. 

"I'm fine with whatever you wear. We should be very respectful of the building, but understanding that, yes whatever shoes you feel comfortable wearing, as a Speaker, will be okay from me."

As for the jacket and tie — Tochor said some traditions are meant to be kept. 

Tochor showed a sense of humour when asked about the jean versus slacks debate. 

"These are tough questions," he said. 

But overall it seems visitors to the building are in for a bit more relaxed dress code. 

"I will be a different speaker, so on case-by-case when they arise I will make a ruling on. I suspect we'll have less problems with that," he said. 

Young family man 

Tochor was born and raised in Esterhazy, Sask., but he is raising his young family in Saskatoon with his wife Danielle. He has two young sons — Jacob, 3 and James, who is 15 months old. 

The topic of clothing came up once more in relation to Tochor's kids. Tochor said his kids will be "tickled" he now gets to wear the old-timey Speaker's hat. 

"My two boys are going to love it. Dad's a pirate now."

But jokes aside, Tochor said his role as Speaker is a huge honour. 

"I strive to be as impartial and fair as a speaker as D'Autremont. Just so honoured to be able to fulfil that role as Speaker for this assembly."