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TORONTO — Ted Arnott, a veteran Progressive Conservative legislator, has been elected Speaker of the House for the Ontario legislature.

Arnott won on the first ballot against fellow Tory legislators Randy Hillier, Jane McKenna and Rick Nicholls.

Arnott was selected by a secret ballot of legislators and will serve in the role over the government’s four-year term, acting as an impartial arbiter over debate.

Speaking to reporters fresh from being elected as new speaker, Arnott tells reporters he hopes to use his role to make sure backbench MPPs get equal representation in the Legislature and to maintain decorum fitting of Queen’s Park. #ONPoli pic.twitter.com/T672bBm1qh — Mark Carcasole (@MarkCarcGlobal) July 11, 2018

Arnott has served as a legislator for 28 years representing the riding of Wellington-Halton Hills and pitched his experience in the days leading up to the vote.

READ MORE: Ontario PC government cancels $100M school repair fund

The election of the speaker begins a rare summer sitting at the Ontario legislature that is expected to last at least two weeks.

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The new Tory government says during the sitting it will introduce legislation to scrap cap and trade, end the York University strike and cancel a wind project in Eastern Ontario.

WATCH: Ontario PC government cancels $100 million school repair fund

2:16 Ontario PC government cancels $100 million school repair fund Ontario PC government cancels $100 million school repair fund