King Charles III has delivered the speech from the throne to open Canada’s parliament, outlining Prime Minister Mark Carney priorities for the country.
The speech is widely viewed as a show of support in the face of annexation threats by US President Donald Trump.
Trump’s repeated suggestion that the US annex Canada prompted Prime Minister Mark Carney to invite Charles to give the speech from the throne outlining his governments priorities for the new session of Parliament.
The King is the Head of state in Canada, which is a member of the Commonwealth of former colonies.
It’s rare for the Monarch to deliver what’s called the speech from the throne in Canada. Charles’ mother, Queen Elizabeth II, did it twice before in 1957 and 1977.
Charles, on his 20th visit to Canada, noted that it has been nearly 70 years since his mother first opened Parliament.
The speech isn’t written by the King or his U.K. advisers as Charles serves as a nonpartisan head of state. He read what was put before him by Canada’s government, but made some remarks of his own.
The King said that among the priorities for the government is protection of the French language and Quebec culture, which are at the heart of Canadian identity.
“They define the country that Canadians, and I, love so much. Canada is a country where official and Indigenous languages are respected and celebrated.
“The government is committed to protecting the institutions that promote these cultures and this identity throughout the world, such as CBC/Radio-Canada.”
King Charles III
He also said that Canada must protect Quebec’s dairy supply management industry. Trump attacked the industry in trade talks.
Also, King Charles outlined Carney’s priorities for addressing the housing shortage and strengthening Canada’s borders, saying that law enforcement will get new tools to stop the flow of fentanyl and its precursors.
He also talks through measures to protect Canadians, including hiring more police, and focusing on reducing car theft, home invasions, and the movement of guns and drugs across the border.
He said that the government will always protect the rights and freedoms that the charter guarantees for every Canadian.
He said that it will be a “reliable partner” to indigenous people, adding that the creation of their “long-term wealth and prosperity” is central to its commitment.
On immigration, King Charles outlined the government’s new policies to slow down the rate while attracting foreign talent.
He added that the government’s policy also sends a message to Canadians abroad that “there is no better time to come home.”
Canada Facing Unprecedented Challenges
In his speech, King Charles III stated that Canada is facing unprecedented challenges.
“We must face reality: since the Second World War, our world has never been more dangerous and unstable. Canada is facing challenges that, in our lifetimes, are unprecedented.”
King Charles III
He added that “many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them.”
He said when his late mother opened a new session of Canadian Parliament in 1957, World War II remained a fresh, painful memory and said the Cold War was intensifying.
“Freedom and democracy were under threat. Today, Canada faces another critical moment. 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.”
King Charles III
Charles also said that the Canadian government “will protect Canada’s sovereignty by rebuilding, rearming, and reinvesting in the Canadian Armed Forces.
“It will stimulate the Canadian military industry by participating in the ‘ReArm Europe’ plan and will thus contribute, together with European partners, to trans-Atlantic security. And it will invest to strengthen its presence in the North, as this region, which is an integral part of the Canadian nation, faces new threats.”
King Charles III
The King said that Canada can build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians.
More than 75% of Canada’s exports go to the U.S and Carney is eager to diversify trade.
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