5 key messages in King Charles's speech from the throne
Speech touched on culture, Queen Elizabeth's legacy and threats to sovereignty
King Charles began and concluded the throne speech in Ottawa on Tuesday with references to his mother Queen Elizabeth's longstanding relationship with this country, while highlighting the challenges Canada faces from its southern neighbour and how the Liberal government plans to address them.
The speech, which was written by Prime Minister Mark Carney's government but presented by the Sovereign, is normally a routine affair in Canada. But after the annexation threats by U.S. President Donald Trump in recent months, it took on an added political significance.
The King's presence in the Senate, by itself, reminded the White House that Canada is not an American state in waiting, with an identical form of government. It highlighted Canada's distinct identity, culture, history and traditions of governance.
The content of the speech, meanwhile, attempted to show that Canada is prepared to carve out its place in the Trump era.
Here are five key moments from the throne speech.
The Queen and Canada
The speech started with Charles harking back to when Queen Elizabeth was the first monarch to read a Canadian throne speech nearly 70 years ago.
"When my dear late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, opened a new Canadian Parliament in 1957, the Second World War remained a fresh, painful memory," the King read Tuesday.
"The Cold War was intensifying. Freedom and democracy were under threat. Canada was emerging as a growing economic power and a force for peace in the world."
Painting a picture of contrast between the U.S. and Canada, Charles noted that the monarchy has "for so long been a symbol of unity for Canada," saying that the Crown "represents stability and continuity from the past to the present."
Once again referencing his mother, Charles said she believed that "no nation could live unto itself."
"It is a source of great pride that, in the following decades, Canada has continued to set an example to the world in her conduct and values, as a force for good," he said.
Threats to economy, democracy
While referencing the challenges Canada has overcome since Elizabeth's 1957 visit, Charles said new hurdles were now presenting themselves.
"Today, Canada faces another critical moment," The King said. "Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the government is determined to protect."
"The system of open global trade that, while not perfect, has helped to deliver prosperity for Canadians for decades, is changing," The King added. "Canada's relationships with partners are also changing."
Trump's recent suggestions that Canada should join the U.S. — and that he is willing to wage economic war to make that happen — inspired Charles's trip to Canada. One of the last lines in the speech was clearly a reference to Trump's comments.
"As the anthem reminds us: The True North is indeed strong and free," he said, garnering widespread applause.
Ready to lead on trade, defence
As the U.S. continues to threaten Canada's economic health and future with tariffs, the speech affirmed Carney's campaign promises that he would forge deeper trading relationships with nations that value free trade.
"Canada is ready to build a coalition of nations that share these values — that believe in international co-operation and the free exchange of goods, services and ideas," Charles said.
"In this new, rapidly evolving world, Canada will lead the way. This will be demonstrated as early as June, when Canada chairs the G7 summit."
The speech noted that Canada and the U.S. "have begun defining a new economic and security relationship" and that Canada is committed to rearming and reinvesting in the Canadian Armed Forces.
It said Canada "will boost Canada's military industry by participating in the 'ReArm Europe' plan, thereby contributing, with European partners, to transatlantic security."
Nods to Indigenous and Quebec culture
The U.S. president often refers to the border with Canada as an "artificial line" that divides people who are similar enough to be as American as Canadian.
The speech pushed back against that narrative, noting that "The French language and Quebec culture are at the heart of Canadian identity. They defined the country that Canadians and I love so much."
The speech goes on to say that the Liberal government is committed to protecting Canadian culture by supporting CBC/Radio-Canada.
The King also made a point in his opening to acknowledge Indigenous people in Canada as a founding people of the modern state.
"It is my great hope that in each of your communities, and collectively as a country, a path is found toward truth and reconciliation, in both word and deed," he said.
Hitting a number of campaign promises
The speech from the throne usually flags the policies a government will prioritize in the coming session of Parliament and this speech from the throne was no different in that regard.
Carney's election platform promises that made it into the speech included:
- Cutting income taxes, development fees and the GST on homes under $1 million.
- Introducing legislation to eliminate federal barriers to internal trade by Canada Day.
- Reducing natural resource project approval time from five years to two.
- Boosting housing by supporting prefabricated modular home construction.
- Increasing security at the border with additional staff and powers.
- Reforming the bail system to target repeat offenders.
- Creating new national parks and protecting marine areas.
- Limiting immigration and temporary foreign workers to rebalance the immigration system.
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