Toronto/CMEDIA: A historic speech from the throne was reportedly delivered Tuesday by King Charles, who used that platform to praise Canada as a force for good that will remain “strong and free” as its relationships with longtime partners are “changing.”
Laying out the new Liberal government’s agenda for the parliamentary session ahead Charles, who delivered the speech seated next to Queen Camilla in the Senate, the royal chamber, also addressed the issue of U.S. President Donald Trump, his tariffs and the 51st state taunts that’s on the minds of many Canadians.
“When my dear late mother addressed your predecessors seven decades ago, she said that in that age, and against the backdrop of international affairs, no nation could live unto itself…Canada has continued to set an example to the world in her conduct and values, as a force for good,” he said. “As the anthem reminds us: The True North is indeed strong and free!,” Charles said, referencing Queen Elizabeth’s 1957 throne speech to Parliament.
Charles noted that in recent weeks he’s witnessed a revival of “national pride, unity and hope” in Canada and has “the greatest admiration for Canada’s unique identity,” which he said is known the world over for bravery, sacrifice, diversity and kindness.
‘Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination, and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear…The system of open global trade that…helped to deliver prosperity for Canadians for decades, is changing…relationships with partners are also changing…the world is a more dangerous and uncertain place than at any point since the Second World War. Canada is facing challenges…Many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them…Every time I come to Canada a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream — and from there straight to my heart,” the head of state said.
In the country’s history this is only the third time that a monarch has delivered the throne speech, which must be read before the House of Commons or the Senate can go ahead with any of its legislative business.
In addition to her 1957 address, the Queen delivered one in 1977 — nearly 50 years ago.
Charles is in Canada at the request of Prime Minister Mark Carney as a way to assert Canada’s sovereignty as a constitutional monarchy founded by the British, French and Indigenous Peoples, a place that’s inherently quite different from the republic to the south.
While enjoying something of a revival in Canada, Charles said that his popularity has soared, polls suggested.
in the wake of Trump’s annexationist threats, a majority of people in Canada now support maintaining ties to the Crown.
“The Crown has for so long been a symbol of unity for Canada. It also represents stability and continuity from the past to the present. As it should. It stands proudly as a symbol of Canada today, in all her richness and dynamism,” the King said.
In the portion of the speech written by Carney and his team, Charles said that Canada’s relationship with the U.S. is changing.
“Many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried…Fundamental change is always unsettling. Yet this moment…An opportunity for renewa…think big and to act bigger…for Canada to embark on the largest transformation of its economy since the Second World War. Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power…by staying true to Canadian values, Canada can build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians,” Charles said.
Charles commitment to reassess the longstanding Canada-U.S. relationship, and said the government would concentrate its thoughts on building a more affordable Canada by cutting income taxes and the GST on homes for first-time buyers, knocking down internal trade barriers to promote free trade in Canada, fast-tracking projects of national significance, and building a safer, more secure country by toughening the border and hiring more police officers to tamp down on crime.
Carney’s government is also promising to promote Indigenous reconciliation and “rebuild the trust of Canadians in immigration by restoring balance to the system”.
‘I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg people…is a recognition of shared history as a nation…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…To the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples, You have welcomed my family and myself to your traditional lands with great warmth and hospitality, for which I am humbly grateful.’ King said.
