Latest news with #AlgonquinAnishinaabeg
National Post
4 days ago
- Business
- National Post
Jamie Sarkonak: The King's land acknowledgement undermined his own authority
The whole point of bringing King Charles III over to deliver a throne speech was to assert Canadian sovereignty, so it's curious that some of the first words out of his mouth denigrated Canada's legitimacy. Article content Article content 'I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg people,' said the King in his opening remarks to Parliament on Tuesday. His words were largely written by the government, but he can tell the government that he's not comfortable reading them. Whether he did, well, we'll never know. Article content He continued: 'This land acknowledgement is a recognition of shared history as a nation. While continuing to deepen my own understanding, 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.' Article content Article content Well, at least he referred to one nation, that being Canada. But he also spoke of territory, that is 'unceded,' that belongs to the Anishinaabe, which somewhat puts that first label of 'nation' into question. If they never gave it up, and it still belongs to them, then are they not sovereign? Of course, the matter of sovereignty in the Ottawa region is more complex than that, but the King left himself open to that interpretation. Article content Which isn't ideal, since the bedrock of our nation as a concept and legal entity — Crown ownership of all land and holder of ultimate jurisdiction within its boundaries — has been under attack for some years. Yes, many people own their own estates within Canada's territory, but the fundamental holder of all title is the Crown. At least, that's how it should commonly be understood, because that's the reality of the situation. Article content Article content Indigenous sovereigntists — who consist of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people who don't recognize Canada as the legal owner of Canadian lands — believe that the fundamental holders of Canadian territory are the Indigenous people. Usually, they misunderstand the numbered treaties, which were land cessation agreements, as international treaties with sovereign nations. They deny any conquest of Canada occurred. They view Canadian land as a product of theft against these sovereign nations. Article content And their solution involves restoring Indigenous sovereignty, bit by bit, by extracting greater rents from more parts of the Canadian economy, returning more government powers and responsibilities to Indigenous groups, and shifting public opinion to be amenable to these changes.
Spectator
5 days ago
- Politics
- Spectator
The King's ridiculous land acknowledgement
I like King Charles. I visited him at Windsor Castle recently as Mrs M picked up a gong. The castle has been beautifully restored. It is full of treasures, looted from the Empire. There were no refreshments, only a porcelain water bowl for the guide dog of one of the honourees. The King was charming, looking a little the worse for wear, perhaps. He graciously laughed at Mrs M's joke. He's a thoughtful guy. A little odd, which is no bad thing. But he seems to have gone completely doolally on his trip to Canada this week, where he opened Parliament with the most modern of empty gestures. 'I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg people. This land acknowledgement is a recognition of shared history as a nation,' he declared from the throne.
The Province
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Province
Throne speech full text: Read what King Charles III said about Canada's sovereignty
'The True North is indeed strong and free!' King Charles delivered the throne speech in the Senate Britain's King Charles III reads his speech from the throne to open the first session of the 45th Parliament of Canada in Ottawa. Photo by BEN STANSALL / POOL/AFP via Getty Images King Charles III delivered the Speech from the Throne on May 27 to open the first session of the 45th Parliament of Canada. Read the full text in English, below. (Some portions were delivered in French.) This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Honourable Senators, members of the House of Commons, It is with a sense of deep pride and pleasure that my wife and I join you here today, as we witness Canadians coming together in a renewed sense of national pride, unity, and hope. I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg people. This land acknowledgement is a recognition of shared history as a nation. While continuing to deepen my own understanding, 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. This is my 20th visit to Canada, spread over the course of more than half a century, and my first as Sovereign. As I have said before, 'Every time I come to Canada a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream – and from there straight to my heart.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. I have always had the greatest admiration for Canada's unique identity, which is recognized across the world for bravery and sacrifice in defence of national values, and for the diversity and kindness of Canadians. 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. This year, we mark the 80th anniversary of V-E Day and V-J Day. On Juno Beach, at Dieppe, on the Somme, at Beaumont-Hamel, at Ypres, and on Vimy Ridge. At those places, and many others, forever etched into our memories, Canadians fought and died alongside our closest allies. Today, I see representatives from every part of Canada – from St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, to Victoria, British Columbia, and Arviat, Nunavut. I see the guardians of the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed in the Canadian Charter and, as King, I thank you for your service to your fellow Canadians, across the length and breadth of this vast and great nation. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. You speak for your communities, representing an incredible richness of cultures, languages, and perspectives. We owe it to this generation, and those who succeed us, to think and act for the greater good of all. While the world faces unprecedented challenges, generating uncertainties across the continents with regards to peace and stability, economics, and climate change, your communities have the skills and determination to bring a wealth of solutions. By fostering collaboration and engaging in respectful, constructive debates, you will ensure this Government is capable of bold and fair action to support Canadians. It has been nearly 70 years since the Sovereign first opened Parliament. In the time since, Canada has dramatically changed: repatriating its Constitution, achieving full independence, and witnessing immense growth. Canada has embraced its British, French, and Indigenous roots, and become a bold, ambitious, innovative country that is bilingual, truly multicultural, and committed to reconciliation. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 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. King Charles III opens the 45th Parliament of Canada by delivering the Speech from the Throne during an official visit to Canada on May 27 in Ottawa, Ontario. Photo by Chris Jackson / Getty Images Opening 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 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. In the decades since, history has been punctuated by epoch-making events: the Vietnam War, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the start of the War on Terror. Today, Canada faces another critical moment. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 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. Canada's relationships with partners are also changing. We must be clear-eyed: the world is a more dangerous and uncertain place than at any point since the Second World War. Canada is facing challenges that are unprecedented in our lifetimes. Many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them. Fundamental change is always unsettling. Yet this moment is also an incredible opportunity. An opportunity for renewal. An opportunity to think big and to act bigger. An opportunity for Canada to embark on the largest transformation of its economy since the Second World War. A confident Canada, which has welcomed new Canadians, including from some of the most tragic global conflict zones, can seize this opportunity by recognising that all Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away. And that by staying true to Canadian values, Canada can build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Building new relationships with the United States and the world The Prime Minister and the President of the United States, for example, have begun defining a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the U.S., rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests, to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations. In parallel, the Government is working to strengthen its relationships with reliable trading partners and allies around the world, recognizing that Canada has what the world needs and the values the world respects. Canada is ready to build a coalition of like-minded countries that share its values, that believe in international co-operation and the free and open exchange of goods, services, and ideas. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. In this new, fast-evolving world, Canada is ready to lead. This will be demonstrated in June, when Canada convenes the G7 Summit. Building a more affordable Canada The Government is guided by its conviction that the economy is only truly strong when it serves everyone. Many Canadians are struggling to get ahead. The Government is responding, reducing middle-class taxes and saving two-income families up to $840 a year. It will cut the GST on homes at or under $1 million for first-time homebuyers, delivering savings of up to $50,000. And it will lower the GST on homes between $1 million and $1.5 million. The Government will protect the programs that are already saving families thousands of dollars every year. These include child care and pharmacare. In addition to these, the Government has recently expanded the Canadian Dental Care Plan to cover about eight million Canadians, saving the average person more than $800 per year. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. King Charles III gives the Speech from the Throne as Queen Camilla and Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney look on. Photo by Pool / Getty Images Building a stronger Canada The Government's overarching goal – its core mission – is to build the strongest economy in the G7. That starts with creating one Canadian economy out of thirteen. Internal barriers to trade and labour mobility cost Canada as much as $200 billion each year. The Government will introduce legislation to remove all remaining federal barriers to internal trade and labour mobility by Canada Day. Numerous premiers have already taken vital steps to break down provincial and territorial barriers to trade. Together, we will build on that progress to deliver free trade across the nation by Canada Day. This is critical to unlocking Canada's full economic potential, but it's not enough. To build Canada strong, the Government is working closely with provinces, territories, and Indigenous Peoples to identify and catalyse projects of national significance. Projects that will connect Canada, that will deepen Canada's ties with the world, and that will create high-paying jobs for generations. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Given the pace of change and the scale of opportunities, speed is of the essence. Through the creation of a new Major Federal Project Office, the time needed to approve a project will be reduced from five years to two; all while upholding Canada's world-leading environmental standards and its constitutional obligations to Indigenous Peoples. The Government will also strike co-operation agreements with every interested province and territory within six months to realize its goal of 'one project, one review.' When Canadians come together, Canada builds things that last. By removing these barriers that have held back our economy, we will unleash a new era of growth that will ensure we don't just survive ongoing trade wars, but emerge from them stronger than ever. It will enable Canada to become the world's leading energy superpower in both clean and conventional energy. To build an industrial strategy that will make Canada more globally competitive, while fighting climate change. To build hundreds of thousands of good careers in the skilled trades. And to build Canada into the world's leading hub for science and innovation. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Critically, the Government will undertake a series of measures to help double the rate of home building while creating an entirely new housing industry – using Canadian technology, Canadian skilled workers, and Canadian lumber. The Government will introduce measures to deliver affordable homes by creating Build Canada Homes. This mission-driven organization will act to accelerate the development of new affordable housing. It will invest in the growth of the prefabricated and modular housing industry. And it will provide significant financing to affordable home builders. The Government will make the housing market work better, including by cutting municipal development charges in half for all multi-unit housing. The Government will drive supply up to bring housing costs down. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Building a safer and more secure Canada To be truly strong, Canada must be secure. To that end, the Government will introduce legislation to enhance security at Canada's borders. Law enforcement and intelligence agencies will have new tools to stop the flow of fentanyl and its precursors. The Canada Border Services Agency will be given new powers to examine goods destined for export, to prevent the transport of illegal and stolen products, including cars. The Government will protect Canada's sovereignty by rebuilding, rearming, and reinvesting in the Canadian Armed Forces. It will boost Canada's defence industry by joining ReArm Europe, to invest in transatlantic security with Canada's European partners. And it will invest to strengthen its presence in the North, which is an integral part of Canada, as this region faces new threats. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Government will discharge its duty to protect Canadians and their sovereign rights, from wherever challenges may come at home or abroad. To keep communities safe, the Government will hire 1,000 more RCMP personnel. It will change firearms licensing and strengthen enforcement of yellow and red flag laws. Weapons licences for those convicted of intimate partner violence and those subject to protection orders will be revoked. Through the deployment of scanners, drones and helicopters, additional personnel, and K-9 teams, the Government will stem the tide of illegal guns and drugs across the border. It will take these steps while protecting the rights of lawabiding gun owners and Indigenous Peoples' longstanding hunting traditions. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Government will bring a renewed focus on car theft and home invasions by toughening the Criminal Code to make bail harder to get for repeat offenders charged with committing these crimes, along with human trafficking and drug smuggling. Britain's Queen Camilla looks on as Britain's King Charles III delivers the Speech from the Throne during the opening the first session of the 45th Parliament of Canada at the Senate of Canada in Ottawa on May 27, 2025. Photo by VICTORIA JONES / POOL/AFP via Getty Images Building a united Canada During this time of great change, Canadians are uniting behind what makes Canada unique. The French language and the Quebec culture are at the heart of the Canadian identity. They define the country that Canadians and I love so much. Canada is a country that respects and celebrates its official languages and Indigenous languages. The Government is determined to protect the institutions that bring these cultures and this identity to the world, like CBC/Radio-Canada. It will protect the people who give us access to fresh, healthy, and quality food: agricultural producers. And it will protect supply management. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Nature is core to Canada's identity. In 2022, Canada convened COP15 in Montréal, which concluded with 196 countries striking a historic agreement to protect 30 percent of their lands and 30 percent of waters by 2030. To this end, the Government will protect more of Canada's nature than ever before through the creation of new national parks, national urban parks, marine protected areas, and other conservation initiatives. The Government will always protect the rights and freedoms that the Charter guarantees for every Canadian. The Government will be a reliable partner to Indigenous Peoples, upholding its fundamental commitment to advancing reconciliation. Central to this commitment is the creation of long-term wealth and prosperity with Indigenous Peoples. For that reason, the Government will double the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program from $5 billion to $10 billion – enabling more Indigenous communities to become owners of major projects. As Canada moves forward with nation-building projects, the Government will always be firmly guided by the principle of free, prior, and informed consent. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Canada's immigration system has long been a source of pride for Canadians and of dynamism for the economy. The Government is dedicated to rebuilding the trust of Canadians in immigration by restoring balance to the system. The Government will cap the total number of temporary foreign workers and international students to less than five percent of Canada's population by 2027. By doing this, the Government will attract the best talent in the world to build our economy, while sending a clear message to Canadians working abroad that there is no better time to come home. Building Canada Strong by spending less and investing more In all of its actions, the Government will be guided by a new fiscal discipline: spend less so Canadians can invest more. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Day-to-day government spending – the government's operating budget – has been growing by nine percent every year. The Government will introduce measures to bring it below two percent. Transfers to provinces, territories, or individuals will be maintained. The Government will balance its operating budget over the next three years by cutting waste, capping the public service, ending duplication, and deploying technology to improve public sector productivity. In parallel, the Government will take a series of measures to catalyse new investment to create better jobs and higher incomes for Canadians. The scale of the Government's initiative will match the challenges of our times and the ambitions of Canadians. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney claps after Britain's King Charles III delivered the Speech from the Throne during the opening the first session of the 45th Parliament of Canada at the Senate of Canada in Ottawa on May 27, 2025. Photo by VICTORIA JONES / POOL/AFP via Getty Images Conclusion Honourable Senators, Members of the House of Commons, 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. 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. I wish to express to you and to the people of Canada my heartfelt gratitude, and that of my wife, for the warmth of the welcome which we have received. As the anthem reminds us: The True North is indeed strong and free! Members of the House of Commons, you will be asked Conclusion to appropriate the funds to carry out the services and expenditures authorized by Parliament. May you honour the profound trust bestowed upon you by Canadians, and may God bless and guide you in all your duties. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our politics newsletter, First Reading, here. News Vancouver Canucks Crime News Vancouver Canucks
Winnipeg Free Press
5 days ago
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
King's speech proves Crown, treaties still relevant
Opinion After meeting King Charles, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said the two spoke about wildfires in the province, the Canadian economy, and climate change — but then the monarch said something surprising. 'We need Indigenous wisdom,' the King told Canada's only First Nations premier. Indeed. ADRIAN WYLD / THE CANADIAN PRESS Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew (right) speaks with former Assembly of First Nations chief Perry Bellegarde ahead of Tuesday's throne speech. The King was in Ottawa Tuesday to deliver Prime Minister Mark Carney's first throne speech in a move viewed by most as a statement against U.S. President Donald Trump. A statement about Canadian independence, sovereignty and to underscore the nation is part of the British Commonwealth. In other words, anyone wishing to turn the country into the 51st state may want to consider this. Inviting the King to deliver a speech describing the mandate of the Carney government is political theatrics but it's also sure to be more than a poke to Trump, who is known to admire and envy the power of the monarchy. The throne speech to open the 45th session of Parliament is full of meaning — maybe more than many realize. The speech represented Carney's attempt to further break from the legacy of Justin Trudeau, for instance. It marks the first time a monarch has delivered the speech since Queen Elizabeth in 1977. The King's participation meant Gov. Gen. Mary Simon, who was appointed by Trudeau, didn't read the speech. The replacement of Canada's first Indigenous Governor General with the King is also worth noting — but more on this in a minute. The speech began with a baffling moment when a British monarch acknowledged Indigenous ownership of the land he stood on by saying: 'We are gathered on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg people.' Most nonsensical is how this didn't immediately solve the decades-old land claim by the Algonquin Anishinaabeg over 117,500 acres in eastern Ontario, which includes Ottawa, but I digress. This does bring me, however, to the most significant result of the King's speech. As my Métis lawyer, colleague, and friend Bruce McIvor wrote in his latest book, Indigenous Rights in One Minute, Canadian courts have, over the years, been moving towards a basic principle: governments in Canada act as a proxy for the Crown when it comes to Indigenous and treaty rights. Years ago, treaties were signed between First Nations and the British Crown — defining a unique and special relationship held by no one else in this country. Even after Confederation in 1867, this is still the case — with the Honour of the Crown existing in perpetuity as the guidepost for non-Indigenous actions in the relationship. In all matters referring to Indigenous and treaty rights, therefore, the Crown's representative must be present and involved, which has led to some complicated moments between First Nations and the federal government. The problem is the federal government doesn't consult the Crown or Gov. Gen. Mary Simon when it attempts to define Indigenous and treaty rights. It almost always makes decisions on its own — a process that leads to endless and costly marches into legal arenas and the Supreme Court where First Nations usually win. ADRIAN WYLD / THE CANADIAN PRESS King Charles delivers the speech from the throne in the Senate in Ottawa on Tuesday. In response to this problem, the courts have, for years, leaned into the idea the federal government has replaced the role of the Crown, with the monarchy positioned as largely ornamental. When King Charles read the federal government's speech, it proved the Crown is not irrelevant but more relevant than ever — and, in fact, the legitimate authority over the federal government. As former national chief Perry Bellegarde remarked in an op-ed written for the Globe and Mail, the King giving the throne speech 'reaffirms something we have always known: the Crown is not merely symbolic. It is central to the treaty relationship that founded Canada.' This means the monarch should meet with First Nations leaders — something chiefs demanded this week — but King Charles did not meet with them. Sent weekly from the heart of Turtle Island, an exploration of Indigenous voices, perspectives and experiences. It also means King Charles shouldn't meet with those who hold no legitimate authority to speak on behalf of Indigenous and treaty rights, like leaders of national Indigenous lobby groups such as the Assembly of First Nations or others — but he did. The misunderstanding about the role of the monarch in this country leads to a lot of odd moments, bad looks, and a displacing, inappropriate, and even illegal treatment of treaties and Indigenous rights in the country — not to mention a lot of wasted time. Carney's use of the King to battle Trump reminds the country that the Crown is the ultimate Big Brother of the federal government and, at the same time, so are the treaties the country's older sibling negotiated with First Nations. Even the King seems to realize Indigenous wisdom is needed in all facets of this country. One hopes Carney and his government will take advantage of that wisdom in building the economy, working to protect the environment, and protecting Canadian sovereignty, too. Niigaan SinclairColumnist Niigaan Sinclair is Anishinaabe and is a columnist at the Winnipeg Free Press. Read full biography Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
CTV News
5 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
King Charles delivers Canada's throne speech, read the full text
King Charles delivers the speech from the throne in the Senate in Ottawa on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld) King Charles III delivered Canada's speech from the throne on Tuesday, underscoring Canada's sovereignty amid tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump. Read to lawmakers and dignitaries from the Senate chambers, the nearly 30-minute speech essentially highlighted Prime Minister Mark Carney's goals for the next parliamentary session. Typically read by the Governor General, Charles is the first monarch to deliver a throne speech in Canada since his mother Queen Elizabeth II last did so in 1977. The speech comes amid frosty relations between Canada and the U.S. over Trump's tariffs and annexation threats. The following is the full text of the King of Canada's speech. Italicized portions were delivered in French. King Charles's speech from the throne Honourable senators, members of the House of Commons. It is with a sense of deep pride and pleasure that my wife and I join you here today, as we witness Canadians coming together in a renewed sense of national pride, unity, and hope. I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg People. This land acknowledgement is a recognition of shared history as a nation. While continuing to deepen my own understanding, 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. This is my 20th visit to Canada, spread over the course of more than half a century, and my first as sovereign. As I have said before, 'Every time I come to Canada, a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream – and from there straight to my heart.' I have always had the great admiration for Canada's unique identity, which is recognized across the world for bravery and sacrifice in defence of national values, and for the diversity and kindness of Canadians. 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. This year, we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day. On Juno Beach, at Dieppe, on the Somme, at Beaumont-Hamel, at Ypres, and on Vimy Ridge. At those places, and many others, forever etched into our memories, Canadians fought and died alongside our closest allies. Today, I see representatives from every part of Canada – from St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, to Victoria, British Columbia, and Arviat, Nunavut. I see the guardians of the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed in the Canadian Charter and, as King, I thank you for your service to your fellow Canadians, across the length and breadth of this vast and great nation. You speak for your communities, representing an incredible richness of cultures, languages, and perspectives. We owe it to this generation, and those who succeed us, to think and act for the greater good of all. While the world faces unprecedented challenges, generating uncertainties across the continents with regards to peace and stability, economics, and climate change, your communities have the skills and determination to bring a wealth of solutions. By fostering collaboration and engaging in respectful, constructive debates, you will ensure this government is capable of bold and fair action to support Canadians. It has been nearly 70 years since the sovereign first opened Parliament. In the time since, Canada has dramatically changed: Repatriating its Constitution, achieving full independence, and witnessing immense growth. Canada has embraced its British, French, and Indigenous roots, and become a bold, ambitious, innovative country that is bilingual, truly multicultural, and committed to reconciliation. 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. 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 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. In the decades since, history has been punctuated by epoch-making events: the Vietnam War, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the start of the war on Terror. 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. The system of open global trade that, while not perfect, has helped to deliver prosperity for Canadians for decades, is changing. Canada's relationships with partners are also changing. We must be clear-eyed: the world is a more dangerous and uncertain place than at any point since the Second World War. Canada is facing challenges that are unprecedented in our lifetimes. Many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them. Fundamental change is always unsettling. Yet this moment is also an incredible opportunity. An opportunity for renewal. An opportunity to think big and to act bigger. An opportunity for Canada to embark on the largest transformation of its economy since the Second World War. A confident Canada, which has welcomed new Canadians, including from some of the most tragic global conflict zones, can seize this opportunity by recognizing that all Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away. And that by staying true to Canadian values, Canada can build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians. The prime minister and the president of the United States, for example, have begun defining a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the U.S., rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests, to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations. In parallel, the government is working to strengthen its relationships with reliable trading partners and allies around the world, recognizing that Canada has what the world needs and the values the world respects. Canada is ready to build a coalition of like-minded countries that share its values, that believe in international co-operation and the free and open exchange of goods, services, and ideas. In this new, fast-evolving world, Canada is ready to lead. This will be demonstrated in June, when Canada convenes the G7 Summit. The government is guided by its conviction that the economy is only truly strong when it serves everyone. Many Canadians are struggling to get ahead. The government is responding, reducing middle-class taxes and saving two-income families up to $840 a year. It will cut the GST on homes at or under $1 million for first-time homebuyers, delivering savings of up to $50,000. And it will lower the GST on homes between $1 million and $1.5 million. The government will protect the programs that are already saving families thousands of dollars every year. These include child care and pharmacare. In addition to these, the government has recently expanded the Canadian Dental Care Plan to cover about eight million Canadians, saving the average person more than $800 per year. The government's overarching goal – its core mission – is to build the strongest economy in the G7. That starts with creating one Canadian economy out of 13. Internal barriers to trade and labour mobility cost Canada as much as $200 billion each year. The government will introduce legislation to remove all remaining federal barriers to internal trade and labour mobility by Canada Day. Numerous premiers have already taken vital steps to break down provincial and territorial barriers to trade. Together, we will build on that progress to deliver free trade across the nation by Canada Day. This is critical to unlocking Canada's full economic potential, but it's not enough. To build Canada strong, the government is working closely with provinces, territories, and Indigenous Peoples to identify and catalyse projects of national significance. Projects that will connect Canada, that will deepen Canada's ties with the world, and that will create high-paying jobs for generations. Given the pace of change and the scale of opportunities, speed is of the essence. Through the creation of a new Major Federal Project Office, the time needed to approve a project will be reduced from five years to two; all while upholding Canada's world-leading environmental standards and its constitutional obligations to Indigenous Peoples. The government will also strike co-operation agreements with every interested province and territory within six months to realize its goal of 'one project, one review.' When Canadians come together, Canada builds things that last. By removing these barriers that have held back our economy, we will unleash a new era of growth that will ensure we don't just survive ongoing trade wars, but emerge from them stronger than ever. It will enable Canada to become the world's leading energy superpower in both clean and conventional energy. To build an industrial strategy that will make Canada more globally competitive, while fighting climate change. To build hundreds of thousands of good careers in the skilled trades. And to build Canada into the world's leading hub for science and innovation. Critically, the government will undertake a series of measures to help double the rate of home building while creating an entirely new housing industry – using Canadian technology, Canadian skilled workers, and Canadian lumber. The government will introduce measures to deliver affordable homes by creating Build Canada Homes. This mission-driven organization will act to accelerate the development of new affordable housing. It will invest in the growth of the prefabricated and modular housing industry. And it will provide significant financing to affordable home builders. The government will make the housing market work better, including by cutting municipal development charges in half for all multi-unit housing. The government will drive supply up to bring housing costs down. To be truly strong, Canada must be secure. To that end, the government will introduce legislation to enhance security at Canada's borders. Law enforcement and intelligence agencies will have new tools to stop the flow of fentanyl and its precursors. The Canada Border Services Agency will be given new powers to examine goods destined for export, to prevent the transport of illegal and stolen products, including cars. The government will protect Canada's sovereignty by rebuilding, rearming, and reinvesting in the Canadian Armed Forces. It will boost Canada's defence industry by joining ReArm Europe, to invest in transatlantic security with Canada's European partners. And it will invest to strengthen its presence in the North, which is an integral part of Canada, as this region faces new threats. The government will discharge its duty to protect Canadians and their sovereign rights, from wherever challenges may come at home or abroad. To keep communities safe, the government will hire 1,000 more RCMP personnel. It will change firearms licensing and strengthen enforcement of yellow and red flag laws. Weapons licences for those convicted of intimate partner violence and those subject to protection orders will be revoked. Through the deployment of scanners, drones and helicopters, additional personnel, and K-9 teams, the government will stem the tide of illegal guns and drugs across the border. It will take these steps while protecting the rights of law-abiding gun owners and Indigenous Peoples' longstanding hunting traditions. The government will bring a renewed focus on car theft and home invasions by toughening the Criminal Code to make bail harder to get for repeat offenders charged with committing these crimes, along with human trafficking and drug smuggling. During this time of great change, Canadians are uniting behind what makes Canada unique. The French language and the Quebec culture are at the heart of the Canadian identity. They define the country that Canadians and I love so much. Canada is a country that respects and celebrates its official languages and Indigenous languages. The government is determined to protect the institutions that bring these cultures and this identity to the world, like CBC/Radio-Canada. It will protect the people who give us access to fresh, healthy, and quality food: agricultural producers. And it will protect supply management. Nature is core to Canada's identity. In 2022, Canada convened COP15 in Montréal, which concluded with 196 countries striking a historic agreement to protect 30 per cent of their lands and 30 per cent of waters by 2030. To this end, the government will protect more of Canada's nature than ever before through the creation of new national parks, national urban parks, marine protected areas, and other conservation initiatives. The government will always protect the rights and freedoms that the Charter guarantees for every Canadian. The government will be a reliable partner to Indigenous Peoples, upholding its fundamental commitment to advancing reconciliation. Central to this commitment is the creation of long-term wealth and prosperity with Indigenous Peoples. For that reason, the government will double the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program from $5 billion to $10 billion – enabling more Indigenous communities to become owners of major projects. As Canada moves forward with nation-building projects, the government will always be firmly guided by the principle of free, prior, and informed consent. Canada's immigration system has long been a source of pride for Canadians and of dynamism for the economy. The government is dedicated to rebuilding the trust of Canadians in immigration by restoring balance to the system. The government will cap the total number of temporary foreign workers and international students to less than five per cent of Canada's population by 2027. By doing this, the government will attract the best talent in the world to build our economy, while sending a clear message to Canadians working abroad that there is no better time to come home. In all of its actions, the government will be guided by a new fiscal discipline: spend less so Canadians can invest more. Day-to-day government spending – the government's operating budget – has been growing by nine per cent every year. The government will introduce measures to bring it below two per cent. Transfers to provinces, territories, or individuals will be maintained. The government will balance its operating budget over the next three years by cutting waste, capping the public service, ending duplication, and deploying technology to improve public sector productivity. In parallel, the government will take a series of measures to catalyse new investment to create better jobs and higher incomes for Canadians. The scale of the government's initiative will match the challenges of our times and the ambitions of Canadians. Honourable senators, members of the House of Commons. 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. 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. I wish to express to you and to the people of Canada my heartfelt gratitude, and that of my wife, for the warmth of the welcome which we have received. As the anthem reminds us: The True North is indeed strong and free! Members of the House of Commons, you will be asked to appropriate the funds to carry out the services and expenditures authorized by Parliament. May you honour the profound trust bestowed upon you by Canadians, and may God bless and guide you in all your duties.
