King Charles Opens 45th Parliament With Throne Speech, Outlines Government Priorities
Today, His Majesty King Charles III delivered a Speech from the Throne to formally open Canada's 45th Parliament, marking the first time a reigning monarch has done so in place of the Governor General since Queen Elizabeth II in 1977. He noted that “the Crown has so long been a symbol of unity for Canada” and concluded the speech by stating that “as the anthem reminds us: the True North is indeed strong and free.” The King notably began his speech with a land acknowledgement, noting that the dignitaries were “gathered on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg people.”
Ahead of the speech, Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized the importance of the King’s visit, stating it "clearly underscores the sovereignty of our country." The King's visit, his 20th to Canada but first since assuming the throne in 2022, comes amidst, and seemingly in response to, President Donald Trump's controversial remarks suggesting the annexation of Canada by the United States and the imposition of tariffs.
The speech, drafted by Prime Minister Carney's government but with very clear input and additions by the King and his staff, commented on Canada’s place in the world while outlining the new administration's priorities, most of which reflected existing commitments outlined by the Prime Minster during the election campaign and in the weeks that followed.
Following today's Throne Speech and after yesterday’s election of the Speaker of the House of Commons, Parliament will now fully and formally begin its regular functions. PM Carney's government will focus on implementing its ambitious agenda focused on economic resilience, national unity, and redefining Canada's relationship with the United States.
The Throne Speech outlined key priorities, including immediate affordability measures such as a promised middle-class tax cut, efforts to fast-track nationally significant infrastructure projects, and the elimination of federal barriers to interprovincial trade. The Carney government will want to show positive action on each of these priorities ahead of the summer. The Speech itself will receive up to four days of debate before facing a vote that is considered a confidence motion, though it will come as no surprise given the recency of the election that it is expected to pass easily with the support or abstention of the opposition parties. The above-mentioned legislation on the middle-class tax cut, the removal of remaining interprovincial trade barriers and bail reform are expected but not certain to pass before adjournment at the end of June.
A pivotal next step is the upcoming First Ministers' Meeting, to be held in Saskatoon on June 2nd. This gathering will bring together provincial and territorial premiers to discuss collaborative strategies for strengthening Canada's economic resilience. Two weeks later, the Prime Minister will welcome world leaders, including President Trump, in Kananaskis, Alberta, as Canada plays host nation for the G7.
Beyond that, Ministers continue to staff up their offices, and preparations are underway for the budget promised by PM Carney for the fall.
From bold housing plans and tax cuts to new environmental and trade commitments, today’s Speech from the Throne laid out an ambitious vision for Canada’s future.
Read our full breakdown of what’s ahead here.
