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Toronto Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
EDITORIAL: The quiet dignity of stable government
Britain's King Charles III delivers the Speech from the Throne next to Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney 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 BLAIR GABLE / POOL/AFP via Getty Images As Canada basks in the afterglow of a flying Royal visit, now's a good time to assess the merits of the constitutional monarchy. 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. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. 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 Don't have an account? Create Account The colourful pomp and ceremony that accompanied the opening of Parliament and the speech from the throne underscored that, as Canadians, we change governments with quiet dignity. The ancient rituals, though, remind us of the sometimes difficult path which has led us to a stable and democratic country. Even before King Charles III delivered the throne speech, the newly elected Speaker of the House of Commons was dragged to his chair. This symbolizes a time when the Speaker reported to the King — and was occasionally executed for delivering bad news. Journalists always sit behind the Speaker so he can't influence their reporting. The doors to the House of Commons are slammed before the Usher of the Black Rod can lead MPs to the Senate for the King's speech. Parliamentary theatre, sure. But an important reminder that our rights and privileges aren't a given. Sometimes you have to fight for them. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The visit by Charles and Queen Camilla made news around the world. It served to emphasize this country's strong connections to the U.K. and other nations of the Commonwealth, an organization of two billion people worldwide, of which we are a senior member. Importantly, it sent a message to our neighbours to the south that we don't bow to threats. President Donald Trump's petulant response was to post that we can have access to his 'Golden Dome' for $61 billion — or for free as a U.S. state. Thanks, but no. In an 1865 speech to Parliament, Canada's first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, outlined the need for a strong Canada. Of the U.S., he said, '… the president, during his term of office, is in great measure a despot, a one-man power, with the command of the naval and military forces, with a large amount of patronage … and with veto power … perfectly uncontrolled by responsible advisers.' Canada, meanwhile, has the stability of a constitutional monarchy, where the king is head of state and the prime minister is head of government. That fine balance served us well last week and sent a message that Canada is strong and resilient. And it's not alone in the world. Editorial Cartoons Sports Canada Toronto & GTA Columnists
Toronto Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- Toronto Sun
EDITORIAL: Is this Carney's idea of restraint?
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 While Prime Minister Mark Carney promised in his throne speech that his government would 'spend less so Canadians can invest more,' his government's main spending estimates for this year — released on the same day — told a different story. 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. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. 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 Don't have an account? Create Account Preliminary projections call for an 8.4% increase in federal spending this fiscal year — $486.9 billion compared to $449.2 billion last year. It's also predicted that the government will pay $49.06 billion in interest on the federal debt this year — more than it plans to spend on national defence ($35.7 billion) and the department of housing ($9.1 billion) combined. Carney's throne speech, read by King Charles, promised his government would be 'guided by a new fiscal discipline,' reducing annual increases in the federal operating budget from 9% under the Justin Trudeau government, to below 2% going forward. To achieve that, Carney is dividing the federal deficit into two components: The day-to-day cost of running the government and capital spending on infrastructure. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. In his election campaign platform released April 19, Carney said the federal operating deficit would shrink from $9.2 billion this fiscal year (2025-26), to $9.1 billion in 2026-27 and $8.6 billion in 2027-28, with a $222.4 million surplus in 2028-29. But, when you add in the capital spending deficits — since no matter what it's called, it's financed by taxpayers — those deficits increase to $62.3 billion in this fiscal year, $59.9 billion in 2026-27, $54.8 billion in 2027-28 and $47.8 billion in 2028-29. In total, Carney's campaign platform called for $130 billion in new spending over four years with total deficit spending of $224.8 billion. That's 71% higher than the $131.4 billion in total deficits the Trudeau government projected in its fall economic statement released last December, although in fairness, had Trudeau run again instead of resigning, his numbers would have been higher than last year's estimates. In any event, the main estimates explain why Carney didn't want to release a budget this spring. Indeed, according to Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, the original plan was to wait until next year to produce a budget, although Carney now says it will be delivered in the fall. We'll have to wait until then to see how Carney's budget squares with his throne speech promise to 'spend less so Canadians can invest more.' Toronto & GTA Toronto Maple Leafs World Columnists Columnists
Toronto Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- Toronto Sun
OPINION: Carney's ‘very different approach' will further erode Ottawa's finances
Prime Minister Mark Carney listens as 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, 2025 in Ottawa. Photo by Chris Jackson - Pool / Getty Images This week, after five months off and one federal election, Parliament starts a new session in Ottawa. And federal finances should be a top priority. 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. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. 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 Don't have an account? Create Account Too much of anything can be harmful. In recent years, the size of the Canadian government and the government debt burden have grown too large, harming economic growth and living standards. When the government grows too large, it begins taking over functions and resources that are better left to the private sector. Consider this. From 2014 to 2024 , total government spending in Canada (federal, provincial and local) increased from 38.4% as a share of gross domestic product (GDP) to 44.7% — the second-fastest increase among 40 advanced countries worldwide. Consequently, the total size of government in Canada increased from 25th highest to 17th highest (out of the same 40 countries). Again, this means that government now essentially controls a significantly larger share of our economy. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. 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. During the same 10-year period, Canada's gross government debt (federal, provincial and local) increased from 85.5% (as a share of GDP) to 110.8% — the third-fastest increase among the 40 countries. As such, Canada's debt ranking among the 40 countries increased from 14th highest to 7th highest. Why should Canadians care? A large government debt burden lands squarely on the backs of Canadians. For example, governments and the private sector compete for the limited pool of savings available for borrowing. As governments increase the amount they borrow, fewer savings are available for the private sector. All else equal, this drives up interest costs and makes it more expensive for families to take out a mortgage or businesses to attract investment. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Moreover, debt accumulation today will likely mean higher taxes in the future. Indeed, a 16-year-old Canadian in 2025 will pay an estimated $29,663 over their lifetime in additional personal income taxes (that they otherwise wouldn't pay) due to ballooning federal debt. In other words, by accumulating debt today, the government is disproportionately burdening younger generations with higher taxes in the future. Of course, when talking about Canada's overall debt load, the federal government plays a big role. The Carney government says it will 'build Canada into the strongest economy in the G7' by employing a 'very different approach' to federal fiscal policy than its predecessor. Yet the Carney campaign platform promises to add to Ottawa's mountain of debt (which currently stands at a projected $2.2 trillion) by running huge annual deficits until at least 2028/29, even outspending the Trudeau government's previous plan . This is not a 'very different approach.' The Carney government plans to table its first budget in the fall. As Parliament resumes, let's hope the new prime minister shows real leadership by charting a clear path towards fiscal sustainability and stronger economic growth. Jake Fuss and Grady Munro are analysts at the Fraser Institute Read More Toronto & GTA Canada Canada Tennis Music
Mint
6 days ago
- Politics
- Mint
Canada ex-PM Justin Trudeau turns heads with ‘funky' Adidas Gazelle shoes at King Charles' historic speech
Justin Trudeau certainly made a memorable entrance at the recent royal proceedings in Ottawa. The former Canadian Prime Minister attended King Charles III's historic Speech from the Throne not in traditional formal footwear, but rather in eye-catching turquoise and orange Adidas Gazelle trainers—an unexpected twist that quickly became the talk of the event. While trainers might be perfectly acceptable in casual or informal settings, their presence in the Senate chamber—especially during a ceremony graced by royalty—was decidedly unconventional. Trudeau's footwear choice sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with some questioning the appropriateness of his relaxed style in such a formal context. Britain's King Charles III speaks with Former Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau as he attends the State Opening of the Parliament of Canada, in Ottawa, Canada Yet, while Justin Trudeau's shoes dominated headlines, the real focus was King Charles III and Queen Camilla's significant two-day visit to Canada—the King's first since ascending the throne in 2022. At 76, and undergoing cancer treatment, Charles' decision to travel to Ottawa was widely interpreted as a powerful gesture of solidarity during a period of political tension. The visit followed a series of controversial remarks by US President Donald Trump, who suggested that Canada might one day become the 51st state of the United States—a notion firmly rejected by Canadian officials. Prime Minister Mark Carney extended the invitation to King Charles to open Canada's 45th session of Parliament, making the monarch the first to do so since Queen Elizabeth II in 1977. Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney stands next to Britain's King Charles III after the King delivered speech from the throne in the Senate in Ottawa, Ontario, Carney has been clear in his message: 'Canada is not for sale now, not for sale ever.' This sentiment was echoed by Canada's envoy to the UK, Ralph Goodale, who described the King's visit as a reaffirmation of Canada's sovereignty and strength. During his address, King Charles highlighted Canada's resilience and independence, declaring, 'The true north is indeed strong and free.' His speech, delivered in the Senate chamber, began with a land acknowledgement and emphasised the country's unique identity and enduring sovereignty—subtle yet pointed reminders of Canada's stance amid international pressures. King Charles III smiles as he arrives at the Senate Chamber for the State Opening of Parliament during an official visit to Canada King Charles' heartfelt words resonated with many Canadians. 'Every time I come to Canada … a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream, and from there straight to my heart,' he said. The King also held private meetings with Carney and Governor General Mary Simon, underscoring his role as head of state for Canada and 14 other Commonwealth realms. Back to Justin Trudeau's footwear: British Vogue recently praised the Adidas Gazelle as a timeless classic, noting its '70s-inspired design and understated style. In an April 2024 feature titled 'Why Our Obsession With Adidas Gazelles Shows No Sign of Fading,' fashion writer Joy Montgomery called the shoe a 'fashion trainer' with lasting appeal. However, such casual chic does not always align with royal protocol. Social media users were quick to comment. One tweeted, 'Justin Trudeau's shoes, today, at Parliament! Also in Parliament today – King Charles,' while another joked, 'Retirement runners perhaps..?' Dimitris Soudas, former communications director for Stephen Harper, expressed his bewilderment simply with, 'I don't know what to say.' Canada's former Prime Ministers Stephen Harper and Justin Trudeau speak next to Margaret Trudeau ahead of Britain's King Charles delivering the speech from the throne in the Senate in Ottawa As the ceremony unfolded, Justin Trudeau was seen deep in animated conversation with Stephen Harper, his longtime political rival. Though the topic of their exchange remains unknown, their lively gestures suggested a spirited discussion. In the end, while the royal visit reaffirmed Canada's sovereignty and international standing, it was Trudeau's bold fashion statement that ensured the event captured headlines far beyond the Senate chamber.
Toronto Sun
6 days ago
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
Justin Trudeau's colourful shoes to meet King Charles raise eyebrows: 'SLOPPY MESS'
King Charles greets former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as he arrives to the open of the first session of the 45th Parliament of Canada in the Senate of Canada in Ottawa on May 27, 2025. Photo by AARON CHOWN / POOL/AFP via Getty Images Justin Trudeau is usually known for his choice of novelty socks. 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. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. 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 Don't have an account? Create Account However, it was the former prime minister's selection of footwear during King Charles and Queen Camilla's visit that raised eyebrows on social media. The 53-year-old Trudeau attended the Senate building for the opening of Parliament and, on first glance, is outfit appeared fine. The blue suit was bright yet muted, and a pale blue shirt with a navy and silver tie completed the look. But the shoes? A view of Former Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau's Adidas shoes as he arrives ahead of an appearance by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the Senate Chamber for the State Opening of Parliament during an official visit to Canada on May 27, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario. () Photo by Chris Jackson / Getty Images Despite the popularity of casual trainers, many keyboard warriors felt the pale green suede Adidas Gazelles with orange detailing had no business being part of his ensemble. Perhaps other colour combinations or neutral hue could have worked? Maybe baby or navy blue, red (go, Canada!), yellow, or even a darker forest green? The mint shade, however, clashed. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. 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. And while we quibble about colours, many stunned social media users took issue with sneakers in general given that Trudeau would be in the presence of royalty and other VIPs. 'Totally disrespectful,' one person wrote. 'Trudeau is a clown.' A second user on X commented: 'Always the narcissist seeking attention, Trudeau wore green and orange runners.' Another X user suggested they were 'retirement runners.' Another view of Former Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau's Adidas shoes. () Photo by Chris Jackson / Getty Images A fourth fumed: 'Society needs to see class and decorum in leadership. Where is the etiquette in both dress and manners nowadays? Don't they have advisers?' They continued: 'Trump fussed about Zelenskyy not wearing a tie, but he was right. Standards/respect is learned. Society today is a sloppy mess.' The former PM was joined by his mother, Margaret Trudeau, at the event Tuesday. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Margaret Trudeau and Justin Trudeau arrive ahead of an appearance by King Charles and Queen Camilla at the Senate Chamber for the State Opening of Parliament during an official visit to Canada on May 27, 2025 in Ottawa. Photo by Chris Jackson / Getty Images Once they took their seats on the Senate floor, Trudeau's former political rival, Stephen Harper, was on his right. Charles was invited by Prime Minister Mark Carney to formally open the new session of Parliament with a rare throne speech. The monarch declared that Canada faces a 'critical moment' as the system of global trade that made it prosper undergoes a shift, noting that the world is now 'a more dangerous and uncertain place' than at any point since the Second World War. Read More In the months since his retirement in January, Trudeau has given followers a glimpse of what he has been up to as a single dad. In March, he shared a selfie from Canadian Tire with a cart full of items. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Trudeau has also shown support for his 17-year-old son, Xavier, as he embarks on a music career. 'Proud to see my son @xavtrud pursue his dream,' he wrote on X earlier this month before sharing that the music video for 'Back Me Up' is now on YouTube. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Trudeau has three children — Xavier, Ella-Grace, 16, and Hadrien, 11 — with Sophie Gregoire Trudeau. The couple announced their split in August 2023. RECOMMENDED VIDEO Canada Music Editorial Cartoons Tennis Crime
