Rona Ambrose names Andrew Scheer as Conservative House leader

Interim Conservative Party Leader Rona Ambrose has named former House of Commons SpeakerAndrew Scheer as the Opposition House leader in a bid to set "the right tone" for the party as it begins to rebuild after its defeat in the last election.

The Saskatchewan MP will take over his duties on Dec. 3, when the House returns for the first time sincethe Oct. 19 vote.

Ambrose also named Quebec MP Denis Lebel as her deputy leader.

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"Denis and Andrew bring not only a wealth of intelligence and parliamentary experience, but they bring the right tone, in helping build a strong, vigorous but respectful Opposition," Ambrose said in a news release.

"In the coming days, I'll be presenting to Canadians a shadow cabinet, focused on earning the trust of all Canadians."

The House leader directs the party's daily business in the House of Commonsand negotiateswith the other parties on the timing and process for billsand debates.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau namedDominic LeBlanc as the government House leader, and NDP Leader Tom Mulcairappointed Peter Julian to the post for hisparty.

Scheer 'honoured' to take on new role

Scheersaid he is honoured to take on the new role.

"Having spent the last four years as Speaker of the House of Commons, and deputy Speaker prior to that, I am used to working constructively with members of Parliament from all parties," he said.

"The House of Commons should be a place of robust and substantive debate for the common good of our country, and I am committed to playing my part in realizing this goal."

Lebel said he will draw from his experience as the Tories'Quebec lieutenant for his new role.

"I bring a unique perspective and am proud our party has more members of Parliament from Quebec than ever before," he said in the release.

"I will bring my experience and knowledge into this new challenge, as we work together as Conservatives to provide a real alternative to the current Liberal government."