King Charles opened the 45th session of Parliament on May 27, delivering a Speech from the Throne that emphasized the Canadian Government’s intention to “accelerate the development of new affordable housing” across the country using Canadian technology, skilled workers, and materials.
Queen Elizabeth II was the last reigning monarch to open a Canadian Parliamentary session, doing so in October 1977. The King’s visit marks Charles’ 20th to Canada and his first as sovereign. Amidst strained relations between Canada and the United States, the monarch’s presence is at once deeply symbolic for the nation and strategic for Prime Minister Mark Carney, who described the visit as an “historic honour that matches the weight of our times” and “clearly underscores the sovereignty of our country.”
Others, like former Conservative Member of Parliament Perrin Beatty, have commented that President Trump “likes the trappings of the monarchy” and that it is “an important sign for the King of Canada to send a message that he supports Canada’s continued existence and sovereignty.” The King referenced Queen Elizabeth II’s Speech from the Throne, drawing implicit comparisons between the geopolitical tensions that existed then and now. In many ways, the speech functioned as a metaphorical slap on the wrist for President Trump and his continued insinuations that Canada form the 51st state.
The Speech from the Throne, read on behalf of the Prime Minister, also serves an important function for Canada’s House of Commons. It sets out the government’s agenda, marks the beginning of a new Parliamentary session, and serves as a reassurance of the proper and appropriate functioning of our system of governance.
The Speech from the Throne, which was written by the Prime Minister’s team, focused heavily on many of the same core themes and commitments featured in the Liberal Party’s election platform:
Building Canada
Building a strong Canada, expanding infrastructure development, and advancing nation-building projects were key elements of the speech, which referenced the creation of a new federal office to reduce timelines, the elimination of unnecessary barriers and red tape, the reduction of municipal development charges for multi-unit housing, and the provision of financing for affordable homebuilders, among other priorities. The speech also emphasized the importance of capitalizing on Canada’s domestic strength to accomplish ambitious development goals, relying on Canadian workers and Canadian materials.
Economic development
The speech acknowledged that Canada is facing unprecedented challenges. The King referenced associated anxieties — and the opportunity presented by this moment to “think big and act bigger.” The federal government’s overarching goal is to build the strongest economy in the G7.
Breaking down trade barriers between provinces was a key policy highlighted in the speech. The address echoed other commitments made by Prime Minister Carney on the campaign trail, such as the removal of GST for first-time homebuyers and doubling the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program. It was also reiterated that the federal government will be focused on spending less, investing more, as well as reducing its operating budget to below 2% and balancing it over the next three years.
Canadian unity & identity
Canada’s history as a multicultural democracy, dedicated to peace, was a key feature of the King’s address. He highlighted the bravery and national values that Canadians have become known for around the globe, as well as Canada’s critical historical role in international conflicts. He also delivered remarks in French as a sign of the importance of bilingualism to Canada and acknowledged the protection of other key elements of Canadian culture, such as the CBC, Quebec Culture, and Canadian National Parks.
The speech established Canada as a leader in the “new world” that will evolve out of our current circumstances, working with other nations to improve international trade efficiency and grow our domestic economy. The King emphasized that the “True North is, indeed, strong and free.”
Ultimately, the Speech from the Throne included few new commitments from the Prime Minister and his team on how they intend to accomplish the objectives set out in the King’s remarks. Prime Minister Carney has already faced criticism on the decision to not put forward a Parliamentary budget until fall 2025, citing the difficulty of presenting an adequate financial plan in such a narrow time frame. With the Speech from the Throne now completed, Parliament is officially in session and expectations are high as Prime Minister Carney seeks to deliver on an ambitious agenda of dismantling interprovincial trade barriers and building one Canadian economy by July 1, 2025.
The House of Commons is expected to rise for the summer at the end of June.