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CTV News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Trudeau's sneakers, hearty laughs and a Canadian football forecast: Lighter moments from the King's visit
It was a warm welcome for King Charles III and Queen Camilla arriving in Ottawa with large crowds gathering at Lansdowne Park. CTV's Stefan Keyes and Katie Griffin report. On Tuesday, King Charles III delivered Canada's speech from the throne – a rare and highly-choreographed event of pomp and pageantry centring the monarch's outline of parliamentary priorities. The speech itself touched on a range of topics, such as Canadian sovereignty and trade relations, an evolving ecosystem of international alliances and challenges 'that are unprecedented in our lifetimes.' But among the moments of monarchical gravity were moments of levity. Here are a few light-hearted highlights from the day. Trudeau's shoes, and a surprise seating plan Former prime minister Justin Trudeau turned heads for a certain fashion choice – a navy suit above a pair of green suede sneakers. The shoes appear to be a pair of Adidas Gazelles in a green and orange colourway. Former prime minister Justin Trudeau's shoes Former prime minister Justin Trudeau's shoes are shown ahead of King Charles delivering the speech from the throne in the Senate in Ottawa on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick British Vogue praised the model last year, even suggesting they deserve a spot among a dynasty of classic-yet-fashion-forward sneakers. 'The Gazelle is just one in a long line of styles to claim their place in the trainer hall of fame: Adidas Stan Smiths, Converse All Stars, Nike Cortezs, Reebok Club C 85s, Adidas Gazelles. Long may they reign,' reads an article published last April. Once he took his seat on the Senate floor, he found himself next to an old rival – Stephen Harper, the former prime minister whom he dethroned in 2015. Justin Trudeau; Stephen Harper; Margaret Trudeau; Kim Campbell Former prime ministers Kim Campbell, left to right, Stephen Harper, Justin Trudeau and his mother Margaret Trudeau listen as King Charles delivers the speech from the throne in the Senate in Ottawa on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young The pair was flanked by Kim Campbell, Canada's first female prime minister, and Trudeau's mother, Margaret Trudeau. Despite a hard-fought campaign nearly a decade ago, the two shared a hearty laugh ahead of the throne speech. Justin Trudeau; Stephen Harper Former prime ministers Justin Trudeau, left, and Stephen Harper share a laugh ahead of King Charles delivering the speech from the throne in the Senate in Ottawa on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young An uncertain Grey Cup forecast After the speech, Prime Minister Mark Carney stepped out onto the Ottawa streets to shake hands with members of the public. He paused when he saw a man who was wearing a blue Winnipeg Bombers hat. 'How are the Bombers going to do?' he asked. 'They're going to the Grey Cup,' the man responded. 'They're going to the Grey Cup?' asked Carney. 'Yeah.' 'Guaranteed?' 'No.' Mark Carney at King's visit Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks to a man who appears to be wearing a Winnipeg Blue Bombers hat outside the Senate on Mary 27, 2025. The group shared a laugh. Carney's football preferences are not well publicized, though Winnipeg fans might have felt slighted by the prime minister's skate with the Edmonton Oilers prior to their game against the Jets in March. On that day, Carney wore an Oilers Jersey branded with No. 24 (Carney is the 24th prime minister of Canada). He grew up in Edmonton, and said last year he's still a fan. Moving on down the line on Tuesday, another person informed him that some of those present work at the Library of Parliament. 'Hey, that's good!' responded the prime minister. 'I don't have anything overdue, yet.'
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
King Charles sends vital message to Trump in his 'Speech from the Throne' at Canada's opening of parliament, writes REBECCA ENGLISH
Amid pomp and pageantry not seen in Canada for more than half a century, King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived at the country's Parliament yesterday with a powerful – and at times defiant – message for US President Donald Trump. In a 'Speech from the Throne' (made of wood from a Windsor oak, no less) Charles, 76, spoke of his 'deep pride and pleasure' at witnessing 'Canadians coming together in a renewed sense of national pride, unity and hope'. He also highlighted the country's 'unique identity' and made clear in the strongest possible terms – within the remits of his role as a constitutional monarch, of course – his personal pride that 'the Crown has for so long been a symbol of unity for Canada'. To huge applause from MPs, he added: 'As the anthem reminds us, 'The True North is indeed strong and free'.' Introduced to Parliament as the King of Canada, many MPs looked visibly moved – some even broke into impromptu cries of 'God Save The King' – as he walked into their Senate building. The King's voice notably cracked with emotion on the last paragraph of his speech, showing just how much this visit has meant to him, particularly given his ongoing health issues. Charles had been invited by the country's prime minister Mark Carney to formally open the new session of parliament in what is widely being interpreted as sign Canadian sovereignty is not for sale. While he cannot publicly comment on recent threats by the US President to annexe Canada and make it America's '51st state', his decision to accept the invitation at such short notice was seen as a strong gesture of unity, and the red carpet was rolled out. Indeed it is only the second time a King or Queen of Canada has ever opened Parliament, the last being his late mother in 1957. Charles and Camilla were escorted in a horse-drawn landau, escorted by flag-bearing 'Mounties', and met by a 100-strong Guard of Honour at Ottawa's Senate building, along with a 21-gun salute. The King stood for the British and Canadian national anthems and inspected the soldiers, looking deeply moved at times. Queen Camilla, 77 – wearing a navy blue crepe silk embroidered dress by Fiona Clare, a matching hat by Philip Treacy and carrying a Chanel bag – looked on proudly. She also sported her Canadian Rifles brooch as the regiment's colonel in chief, with a pearl and diamond choker. The King was wearing a lounge suit with medals and his Order of Canada around his neck. Aides revealed, as an aside, that the Queen's great-great-great grandfather, Sir Allan Napier MacNab, was a leading Canadian politician who led the 'province of Canada' as it was then known. After taking his place in the chamber, the Queen on a throne by his side, the King finally read his much-anticipated 'Speech from the Throne', written – as it is in Britain – by the Canadian government and outlining their new legislative agenda for the coming Parliament. However it was clear the King had added a strong personal touch to their words, which went further than many had predicted given the delicate nature of the UK's relationship with President Trump. Nailing his colours firmly to the mast, the King said: '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… a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream and from there straight to my heart. 'I have always had the greatest admiration for Canada's unique identity, which is recognised across the world for bravery and sacrifice in defence of national values, and for the diversity and kindness of Canadians.' He added: '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.' Charles was met with a standing ovation from all in parliament as he said: '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.' He concluded: '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. 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.' Charles was met with a standing ovation from all in parliament yesterday. But former prime minister Justin Trudeau raised eyebrows after wearing green and red Adidas Gazelle trainers to the event. Afterwards, Charles and the Queen embarked on a brief walkabout before conducting a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial, then flying out of the country just 24 hours after they had arrived.
National Post
5 days ago
- Business
- National Post
Jesse Kline: Throne speech was a win for King Charles, a challenge for Mark Carney
Article content Following a lengthy introduction that struck the right balance between upholding Canadian sovereignty and appeasing competing diplomatic interests, King Charles laid out the government's agenda for the 45th Parliament. Article content In some respects, it was a breath of fresh air, as it offered more specific policy proposals than the typical Liberal throne speech, which are generally full of lofty goals but short on details. Yet the government's agenda is ambitious and wide-ranging, and some of its plans seem to have been left intentionally vague. Article content There were promises to 'introduce legislation to remove all remaining federal barriers to internal trade and labour mobility by Canada Day,' tighten border security, restore 'balance' to the immigration system, rebuild the Canadian Armed Forces and 'double the rate of home building.' The government committed to work with the provinces to create a 'one project, one review' system for new infrastructure developments within six months. It promised to remove 'barriers that have held back our economy,' unleashing 'a new era of growth that will ensure we don't just survive ongoing trade wars, but emerge from them stronger than ever.' And in a clear break from the Trudeau era, it pledged that Canada will become 'the world's leading energy superpower in both clean and conventional energy.' Article content There was a lot in the throne speech that even conservatives should be able to get behind, but how many of the government's goals will be realized remains an open question. Phrases such as 'speed is of the essence' and assurances that the 'government will be guided by a new fiscal discipline' already ring hollow given all the big-ticket promises the Liberals have made and the fact that after a short, three-week spring session, parliamentarians will take an extended summer break. They won't get down to the business of passing legislation or tabling a budget until the fall. Article content And the Liberals don't exactly have a great track record when it comes to meeting the goals laid out in a throne speech. After the 2021 election, Governor General Mary Simon spent a lot of time talking about reconciliation, growing the economy, fighting climate change, strengthening our health-care system, making communities safer, reducing the cost of living, building housing and spending wisely. Article content If these priorities sound familiar, it's because Canada faces many of the same problems today. Though the context has shifted from pandemic recovery to dealing with Trump's trade war, many of the government's priorities remain the same, as the Liberals completely failed to fix the vast majority of problems they set out to address three and a half years ago. Article content Despite pledging to build 'more housing units per year' and end 'chronic homelessness,' new housing starts actually decreased 11.4 per cent between 2021 and 2024, while the number of people in homeless shelters skyrocketed. Despite all the carbon taxes and emissions caps, greenhouse gas emissions remained stagnant. Article content Despite promising to combat 'hate and racism' and make our streets safer, antisemitic incidents jumped 122 per cent between 2021 and 2024, according to B'nai Brith Canada, while the police-reported crime rate and crime severity index both increased between 2021 and 2023. Article content Meanwhile, reconciliation is still a pipe dream and affordability is still a pressing concern. Inflation increased from 3.4 per cent in 2021 to 6.8 per cent in 2022, before falling to 2.4 per cent in 2024. The deficit nearly doubled. And the average time it takes to receive treatment after getting a referral from a doctor rose to 30 weeks in 2024, from 25.6 in 2021, according to the Fraser Institute.
National Post
6 days ago
- Business
- National Post
King Charles III to deliver speech from the throne, laying out government's agenda
OTTAWA — King Charles III will deliver the speech from the throne this morning in Ottawa, laying out the government's agenda and giving Canadian sovereignty a boost in the midst of a trade war with the United States. Article content Article content At 9:50 a.m., King Charles and Queen Camilla will travel to the Senate building in a carriage drawn by 28 horses from the RCMP's Musical Ride. At 10:15 a.m., King Charles will receive full military honours, including a 100-person guard of honour and a 21-gun salute. Then, at 11 a.m. King Charles will open the 45th Parliament with the speech from the throne. Article content Article content Just before noon, King Charles and Queen Camilla will visit the National War Memorial before heading back to the U.K. Article content Article content With the visit, the King and Queen are sending a clear message in support of Canadian sovereignty, said Thomas Morin-Cabana, the national chairman of The Crown Society of Canada. Article content
Globe and Mail
6 days ago
- Politics
- Globe and Mail
For a royal visit to be successful, every hour and every minute count
The success or failure of the royal visit will be determined in its first hours, as the media send images to the world and the narrative starts to emerge. This trip is so short, and so focused around one theme - Canadian sovereignty, as embodied by the King of Canada - that the margin of error can be measured in hours, if not minutes. The Sovereign's Flag for Canada hoisted from the cockpit of the Royal Canadian Air Force plane as it taxis to a stop in Ottawa? Check. King Charles III wearing his Order of Canada pin on the lapel of his suit? Check. Queen Camilla choosing a historic Canadian brooch? Check. Monday's itinerary and its carefully choreographed mix of official duties and relaxed informality were designed to generate the images that Canada and its monarch want to project to the nation and world – that King Charles III knows, understands and supports this country, its people and its issues. King Charles and Queen Camilla receive warm reception in Ottawa ahead of Throne Speech Tuesday Live blog: Follow live updates from King Charles's visit here The threat from U.S. President Donald Trump to absorb Canada into his nation as its '51st state' is an existential danger, which is why having a King whom Mr. Trump openly admires can't help but add to Canada's defences. In addition, the monarch came to Canada before Mr. Trump has his much-desired state visit in the United Kingdom, which will be hosted by King Charles in his role as Britain's head of state. The message couldn't be clearer: Canada comes first. Those lessons of how to quickly establish a narrative of success have been hard earned. When Charles first brought Camilla to Canada in 2009, they started in Cupids, N.L., which was marking its 400th anniversary. A combination of awful November weather and rural locale resulted in sparse crowds (57 people, one journalist counted). The large crowds that turned out at later events of that 11-day visit couldn't reshape the narrative of their unpopularity in Canada. The high-profile Caribbean tour in 2022 by the Prince and Princess of Wales (then the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge) got similarly knocked off course, this time by loud calls for slavery reparations that were only addressed in a scheduled speech by Prince William near the end of the tour. A key lesson from such unsuccessful trips has been to always plan one visually interesting event on the first day to generate images to buttress the tone and theme of a visit. So, at the first stop after their ceremonial arrival on Monday, the King dropped a puck to start a game of street hockey in front of enthusiastic crowds at a community event designed to be 'festive, fun and dynamic,' according to the department of Canadian Heritage. The pacing was equally precise - the pomp and diplomatic niceties of the airport greeting, then the casualness of the events at Lansdowne Park, then the formalities at Rideau Hall – so as to echo the feelings of Canadians: We're taking the existential threat posed by the United States seriously but refuse to let it overwhelm us. The 'All for one and one for all' ethos was also seen when the King and Camilla met the country's viceregal community – the Governor-General, all territorial commissioners and lieutenant-governors (except Newfoundland and Labrador's Joan Marie Aylward, who had a prior engagement). Even the blue-beech tree (Carpinus caroliniana) planted by the King and watered by Camilla was chosen for its 'quiet strength' and as a 'living symbol of resilience, adaptability and heritage,' according to the government's media guide. The King gave its trunk a good shake after he'd piled soil from every province and territory at its base. The early headlines point to this lightning-fast visit being a resounding success. 'King and Queen welcomed in Canada for 'momentous' state visit,' screamed the Times of London, while France 24 went with 'King Charles III visits Canada in apparent pushback against Trump's annexation threats.' There were still visual gaps in that maple syrup-drenched messaging. For instance, there are dead flowers lining the route to the Senate, which won't be removed for Tuesday's events there, even for a King and Queen. 'The next cycle of planting will occur in the next two weeks with the complete removal of the tulips containers,' explained Valérie Dufour of the National Capital Commission. If the large crowds that greeted the royal couple on Monday are any indication, those planters will be hidden by throngs of spectators as Charles and Camilla travel to the Senate in the state landau, escorted by a troop of Mounties on horseback. They may be jet-lagged, but duty trumps all for the royals. Charles III and Queen Camilla flew more than 5,000 kilometres to fulfill their obligations of Canada, its people and its future.
