Latest news with #TrueNorth
CBC
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBC
Canada Day lineup unveiled as Ottawa readies for a national celebration like no other
LeBreton Flats in Ottawa will once again host the national Canada Day celebration on July 1, and this year's festivities will feature some top local talent. The party marking 158 years since Confederation will include a noon ceremony and an evening concert featuring Ottawa's own Nick Durocher, who goes by the stage name TALK. Sarah McLachlan, Coeur de pirate, Tom Cochrane, Mitsou, Amanda Marshall, Roch Voisine, Randy Bachman, Édith Butler, Aasiva and Muzion are among the other Canadian artists who will perform at LeBreton Flats, according to Canadian Heritage, the federal department organizing the event. Isabelle Racicot, co-host of CBC podcast and radio series Seat at the Table, will host the evening show from 8 to 10 p.m. ET. The national broadcast will also include performances by Blue Rodeo in Summerside, P.E.I, and more artists in Vancouver and Yellowknife. The show will also feature a list special guests including Jeff Douglas, known to his compatriots as Joe Canada from that classic "I am Canadian" beer ad. This July 1 will also mark the first Canada Day celebration since U.S. President Donald Trump launched his trade war and began threatening to make Canada the "51st state." "More than ever, this year is the perfect opportunity to wave our flag proudly and show the world what makes us the True North strong and free. Canadians are encouraged to take part in celebrations in their communities across the country and in the heart of Canada's Capital Region," Canadian Heritage said. More to explore around the capital Three more sites around the capital will host different activities on Canada Day. Parliament Hill is the place to be to see the Ceremonial Guard Band, bagpipes, demonstrations by the Snowbirds and a big screen showing the main shows from LeBreton. Just down Wellington Street, the lawn in front of the Supreme Court of Canada will host a new "family-friendly space" featuring yoga and drumming workshops. Across the Ottawa River in Old Hull, expect "a festive atmosphere with family activities during the day and captivating evening performances by famous artists." You can find a full list of performances and activities on the official Canada Day website. Canadians are also invited to record a short video "to express what makes them proud to be Canadian," said Heritage Canada. To submit a video, visit the O Canada! Station website or a video booth at one of many major VIA Rail stations across the country. "This year, more than ever, Canada will shine with its shared energy, diversity and the spirit of unity that connects us from coast to coast to coast," said Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Steven Guilbeault said in the news release. "As a country, we form a vibrant mosaic and we become stronger when we honour the ties that bind us and celebrate together." To get everyone in the festive mood, the department has also released its official Canada Day playlist, and is encouraging Canadians to "discover the artists who will be taking centre stage on July 1."
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Trump doubles down on 51st state calls
Donald Trump doubled down on his position that Canada could become the '51st State' after King Charles' show of support for independence on Tuesday. King Charles, the head of state in Canada, was invited to Canada by new prime minister Mark Carney, prompted by Trump's repeated threats of annexation. He avoided mentioning Trump directly in his speech on Tuesday, but noted Canada's 'anxieties' about a 'changing world' and reaffirmed Canada's sovereignty, saying the 'True North is indeed strong and free'. But Trump seemed to respond to the visit later on Tuesday, writing that if Canada becomes the 'cherished 51st State' it won't have to pay to join his future Golden Dome missile program. 'It will cost $61 Billion Dollars if they remain a separate, but unequal, Nation, but will cost ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State. They are considering the offer!,' Trump posted on social media. The comments appears to run contrary to claims from the U.S. ambassador to Canada, who told CBC's The House last week, before the king's speech, that the annexation saga was 'over'. Pete Hoekstra said he understood the message that was being sent with the rare royal address, adding that there were 'easier ways to send messages' to the U.S. government. He said that Canada should 'move on' from the annexation saga, as the Trump administration has 'too much on our plate to move forward'. 'If the Canadians want to keep talking about it - that's their business. I'm not talking about it; Donald Trump is not talking about it,' he said at the time. Trump supporters rallied around the president after his comments on social media. Dean Skoreyko wrote on X: 'Trump owned King Carney and King Charles today. They didn't see it coming. 51th state. [sic]' Columnist Benny Johnson shared the post, noting Trump's claims that Canada was 'considering the offer'. 'Art of the deal,' he wrote. Trump asserted that Canada was 'considering' the offer to join the U.S. days after he announced the new missile defense system, which he estimates will cost $175bn over three years. The shield, he hopes, will be capable of shooting down missiles fired from across the planet, covering the entire United States. Security experts told the WSJ the task ahead is more complex, and the technologies required are still nascent. Nonetheless, Trump insists that the coverage could extend to Canada for a fee - or for free if they join. Since taking office, Trump has repeatedly made threats to bring Canada into the United States. Trump's National Security Advisor (NSA) Mike Waltz said in February it was unlikely that the U.S. military would invade Canada and annex the country. The suggestion prompted Prime Minister Mark Carney to invite Charles to give a speech from the throne outlining the Liberal government's priorities for the new session of Parliament. Charles said on Tuesday that Canada is facing unprecedented challenges in a world that's never been more dangerous as he opened the Parliament with a speech widely viewed as a show of support in the face of the annexation threats. '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,' Charles said in French, one of Canada's official languages. He added that 'many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them.' It's rare for the monarch to deliver the speech from the throne in Canada. Charles´ mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, did it twice. The king noted that it had been nearly 70 years since his mother first opened Parliament. The visit to Canada was Charles' first as king and his 20th overall. '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,' the monarch said. 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. He said when his mother opened a new session of Canadian Parliament in 1957, World War II remained a fresh, painful memory and the Cold War was intensifying. 'Freedom and democracy were under threat,' he said. 'Today, Canada faces another critical moment.' 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 can make some remarks of his own. Canadians are largely indifferent to the monarchy, but Carney has been eager to show the differences between Canada and the United States. After the United States gained independence from Britain, Canada remained a colony until 1867, and afterward continued as a constitutional monarchy with a British-style parliamentary system. The king's visit clearly underscores Canada's sovereignty, Carney said. Carney won the job of prime minister by promising to confront the increased aggression shown by Trump and made his first official trip to London and Paris, the capital cities of Canada's two founding nations. Carney is eager to diversify trade, and the king said Canada can build new alliances. More than 75% of Canada's exports go to the U.S., and Trump has threatened sweeping tariffs on Canadian products. The king said Canada must protect Quebec's dairy supply management industry, which Trump has attacked in trade talks. And he said the Canadian government will protect the country's sovereignty by reinvesting in the Canadian Armed Forces. Trump has asserted that Canada doesn't spend enough on its military. The king also said Canada would look to the European Union to purchase military equipment by joining the 'REARM Europe' plan - a major defense procurement project to ramp up arms production in Europe. The speech made no mention of buying from the U.S. Charles is also the king of the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica and others - 14 realms in total. He exercises no political power in any of them.
News24
4 days ago
- Business
- News24
‘Strong and free': King Charles sparks pride as Canada resists Trump's annexation threats
King Charles III emphasised Canada's strength and sovereignty in a historic speech, addressing US annexation threats by President Donald Trump. The speech symbolised Canada's commitment to democracy, alliances, and economic transformation amid rising global uncertainty. Throngs of Canadians warmly welcomed the monarch in a festive parade, showcasing national pride and resilience. King Charles III hailed Canada as 'strong and free' as he delivered a major speech to open parliament in Ottawa against the backdrop of US President Donald Trump's threats to take over the country. '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 said, adding that Canada was facing a 'critical moment.' To loud applause, he drew on the national anthem and said: The true north is indeed strong and free! Prime Minister Mark Carney invited the 76-year-old British monarch - Canada's head of state as it is a Commonwealth member - to the capital, accompanied by Queen Camilla. The king has never publicly commented on Trump's repeated talk of making Canada the 51st US state, but his language was closely watched for veiled references. Although the king read the speech as if it were his own words, the prime minister's office wrote it to set out the government's priorities to 'build Canada strong' and how it aims to achieve them. In addition to his annexation threats, Trump has also launched tariff wars, particularly targeting Canada. 'The system of open global trade that, while not perfect, has helped to deliver prosperity for Canadians for decades is changing,' Charles said in cautious words. 'We must be clear-eyed: the world is a more dangerous and uncertain place than at any point since the Second World War.' Not to be outdone, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday about annexing Canada- eliding mention of King Charles- by offering protection from his proposed 'Golden Dome' missile defence system. 'I told Canada, which very much wants to be part of our fabulous Golden Dome System, that it will cost $61 Billion Dollars if they remain a separate but unequal Nation but will cost ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State,' Trump said, adding: 'They are considering the offer!' There was no immediate response from Canada to Trump's claims. 'Symbolism' The speech was delivered in the Senate - a former railway station that has been converted while parliament undergoes renovations - with past prime ministers, Supreme Court justices and Indigenous leaders in feather headdresses in attendance. 'You see the enthusiasm for our institutions,' Carney told reporters, pointing to cheering crowds that awaited the king. 'Our sovereignty is strong.' King Charles' 'speech from the throne' was the first by a monarch in nearly half a century. It was delivered by Charles' mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, in 1957 and 1977. 'In terms of symbolism, it's extraordinary,' said Felix Mathieu, a politics professor at the University of Quebec in Outaouais. AFP Tuesday's event, Mathieu said, was a message to Trump to show him that 'Canada is not alone in this fight.' Carney has vowed to oversee the biggest transformation of Canada's economy since the end of the Second World War to enable it to 'stand up' to Trump. Charles said in the speech that Canada would also 'build new alliances' and seek out 'reliable trading partners and allies around the world' while reinvesting in its military and Arctic defence. 'Canada is ready to build a coalition of like-minded countries that share its values, that believe in international cooperation and the free and open exchange of goods, services, and ideas,' he said. Festive welcome Thousands gathered along a parade route for a chance to see the monarch arriving in a carriage escorted by Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers on horseback. The atmosphere was festive, with people waving Canadian flags, a 21-gun salute and a fighter jet flyover. The king stopped several times to speak with people along a security fence before and after his speech. Kirsten Hanson, 44, said she welcomed the king's show of support as the pressure grows from the United States. AFP 'If there's anything he can do to demonstrate Canada's sovereignty, I think that's fantastic,' she told AFP. 'Nobody wants to be absorbed into the US.' 'Elbows up,' said Marion Hand, 88, in reference to Carney's battle cry in the face of Trump's annexation threats. She travelled from Mississauga, Ontario, for the event and was visibly giddy after shaking hands with the king and queen.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Donald Trump doubles down on calls for Canada to be made 51st US state in apparent rebuke after King Charles' declaration that country will remain 'strong and free'
Donald Trump doubled down on his position that Canada could become the '51st State' after King Charles ' show of support for independence on Tuesday. King Charles, the head of state in Canada, was invited to Canada by new prime minister Mark Carney, prompted by Trump's repeated threats of annexation. He avoided mentioning Trump directly in his speech on Tuesday, but noted Canada's 'anxieties' about a 'changing world' and reaffirmed Canada's sovereignty, saying the 'True North is indeed strong and free'. But Trump seemed to respond to the visit later on Tuesday, writing that if Canada becomes the 'cherished 51st State' it won't have to pay to join his future Golden Dome missile programme. 'It will cost $61 Billion Dollars if they remain a separate, but unequal, Nation, but will cost ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State. They are considering the offer!,' Trump posted on social media. The comments appears to run contrary to claims from the U.S. ambassador to Canada, who told CBC's The House last week, before the king's speech, that the annexation saga was 'over'. Pete Hoekstra said he understood the message that was being sent with the rare royal address, adding that there were 'easier ways to send messages' to the U.S. government. He said that Canada should 'move on' from the annexation saga, as the Trump administration has 'too much on our plate to move forward'. 'If the Canadians want to keep talking about it - that's their business. I'm not talking about it; Donald Trump is not talking about it,' he said at the time. Trump supporters rallied around the president after his comments on social media. Dean Skoreyko wrote on X: 'Trump owned King Carney and King Charles today. They didn't see it coming. 51th state. [sic]' Columnist Benny Johnson shared the post, noting Trump's claims that Canada was 'considering the offer'. 'Art of the deal,' he wrote. Trump asserted that Canada was 'considering' the offer to join the U.S. days after he announced the new missile defence system, which he estimates will cost $175bn over three years. The shield, he hopes, will be capable of shooting down missiles fired from across the planet, covering the entire United States. Security experts told the WSJ the task ahead is more complex, and the technologies required are still nascent. Nonetheless, Trump insists that the coverage could extend to Canada for a fee - or for free if they join. Since taking office, Trump has repeatedly made threats to bring Canada into the United States. Trump's National Security Advisor (NSA) Mike Waltz said in February it was unlikely that the U.S. military would invade Canada and annex the country. The suggestion prompted Prime Minister Mark Carney to invite Charles to give a speech from the throne outlining the Liberal government's priorities for the new session of Parliament. The 76-year-old monarch, who is also Canada's head of state as part of the Commonwealth, has never publicly commented on the ambitions of the US president, a noted admirer of the royal family Charles said on Tuesday that Canada is facing unprecedented challenges in a world that's never been more dangerous as he opened the Parliament with a speech widely viewed as a show of support in the face of the annexation threats. '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,' Charles said in French, one of Canada's official languages. He added that 'many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them.' It's rare for the monarch to deliver the speech from the throne in Canada. Charles´ mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, did it twice. The king noted that it had been nearly 70 years since his mother first opened Parliament. The visit to Canada was Charles' first as king and his 20th overall. '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,' the monarch said. 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. He said when his mother opened a new session of Canadian Parliament in 1957, World War II remained a fresh, painful memory and the Cold War was intensifying. 'Freedom and democracy were under threat,' he said. 'Today, Canada faces another critical moment.' 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 can make some remarks of his own. Canadians are largely indifferent to the monarchy, but Carney has been eager to show the differences between Canada and the United States. After the United States gained independence from Britain, Canada remained a colony until 1867, and afterward continued as a constitutional monarchy with a British-style parliamentary system. The king´s visit clearly underscores Canada´s sovereignty, Carney said. Carney won the job of prime minister by promising to confront the increased aggression shown by Trump and made his first official trip to London and Paris, the capital cities of Canada's two founding nations. Carney is eager to diversify trade, and the king said Canada can build new alliances. More than 75% of Canada's exports go to the U.S., and Trump has threatened sweeping tariffs on Canadian products. The king said Canada must protect Quebec's dairy supply management industry, which Trump has attacked in trade talks. And he said the Canadian government will protect the country's sovereignty by reinvesting in the Canadian Armed Forces. Trump has asserted that Canada doesn't spend enough on its military. The king also said Canada would look to the European Union to purchase military equipment by joining the 'REARM Europe' plan - a major defense procurement project to ramp up arms production in Europe. The speech made no mention of buying from the U.S. Charles is also the king of the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica and others - 14 realms in total. He exercises no political power in any of them.
CBC
4 days ago
- Business
- CBC
King says 'strong and free' Canada is a force for good in historic throne speech
Charles says he's heartened to see revival of 'national pride, unity and hope' in Canada King Charles delivered a historic speech from the throne Tuesday and he used that platform to praise Canada as a force for good that will remain "strong and free" as its relationships with longtime partners are "changing." Charles, who delivered the speech while seated next to Queen Camilla in the Senate, the royal chamber, laid out the new Liberal government's agenda for the parliamentary session ahead but also subtly addressed the issue that's on the minds of many Canadians in the portion of the speech that he himself crafted: U.S. President Donald Trump, his tariffs and the 51st state taunts. "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," Charles said, referencing Queen Elizabeth's 1957 throne speech to Parliament. "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 said. "As the anthem reminds us: The True North is indeed strong and free!" Charles, who prominently wore an Order of Canada medal around his neck for the occasion, noted that he's witnessed a renewal of "national pride, unity and hope" in Canada in recent weeks and he has "the greatest admiration for Canada's unique identity," which he said is known the world over for bravery, sacrifice, diversity and kindness. "Every time I come to Canada a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream — and from there straight to my heart," the head of state said. This is only the third time in the country's history that a monarch has delivered the throne speech, which must be read before the House of Commons or the Senate can go ahead with any of its legislative business. In addition to her 1957 address, the Queen delivered one in 1977 — nearly 50 years ago. Charles is here at Prime Minister Mark Carney's request, an invitation the head of government has framed as a way to assert Canada's sovereignty as a constitutional monarchy founded by the British, French and Indigenous Peoples — a place that's inherently quite different from the republic to the south. Charles is enjoying something of a revival in Canada, with polls suggesting his popularity has soared and a majority of people now support maintaining ties to the Crown in the wake of Trump's annexationist musings. The King nodded to the stability the institution provides in a tumultuous era. "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," he said, as senators, MPs, former prime ministers Justin Trudeau, Stephen Harper and Kim Campbell, Supreme Court justices, senior military officials and Indigenous leaders, among others, looked on in a packed Red Chamber. In the portion of the speech written by Carney and his team, Charles said Canada's relationship with the U.S. is changing and the country is facing "unprecedented challenges." "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," Charles said. "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 monarch said. In addition to a commitment to reassess the longstanding Canada-U.S. relationship, Charles said the government will be seized with other matters: building a more affordable Canada by cutting income taxes and the GST on homes for first-time buyers, knocking down internal trade barriers to promote free trade in Canada, fast-tracking projects of national significance — there will be a new, federal "major project office" to get them through — and building a safer, more secure country by toughening the border and hiring more police officers to tamp down on crime. Carney's government is also promising to "rebuild the trust of Canadians in immigration by restoring balance to the system" and promote Indigenous reconciliation. Speaking briefly to reporters after the speech, Carney said Tuesday's address was about highlighting and preserving "Canadian institutions" and it was "brilliantly" delivered by the King. "Our sovereignty is strong," Carney said. Thousands of people lined Wellington Street to see Charles and Camilla travel through the parliamentary precinct in Canada's royal landau to the Senate for the speech — easily one of the largest crowds for a royal visit in this country in years. WATCH: King Charles and Queen Camilla parade to Parliament Some people shouted "God save the King," "Thank you for coming, sir" and "We love you Charles," as he inspected the smartly dressed 100-member military guard of honour — the troops were from the 3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment — that was assembled to greet him and Camilla, who was dressed in blue and wearing strands of pearls and a diamond-encrusted Queen's Own Rifles of Canada brooch. Camilla is the colonel-in-chief of that Toronto-based Canadian Armed Forces regiment. The Royal Canadian Air Force band played O Canada as the crowd sang along and then clapped and cheered the royal party. After leaving the Senate, a smiling and seemingly jovial Charles plunged into the crowd, personally shaking dozens of hands and greeting people along the rope line — some of whom started gathering in the early morning hours for a prime position to see the head of state on this historic occasion. The King and Queen were greeted by a spontaneous rendition of God Save the King and repeated cheers of hip, hip hooray. The prime minister was shown some affection by the crowd with one man shouting, "We love you Carney!" as he accompanied Charles. Image | Royal-Visit-Throne-Speech-Gallery 20 Caption: Queen Camilla is shown ahead of King Charles delivering the speech from the throne. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press) Open Image in New Tab In his last act of this two-day visit, Charles took in a bugler's rendition of Last Post and a bagpiper playing the Lament before laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Canada's National War Memorial — a recognition of Canada's military sacrifice in the world wars and other conflicts. The royal wreath was inscribed with a message: "In eternal memory, Charles." Image | KING CHARLES THRONE SPEECH Caption: King Charles and Queen Camilla took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa after the throne speech. (Evan Mitsui/CBC) Open Image in New Tab Charles has done this many times on his past 19 visits to this country — members of the royal family rarely make a stop in Canada without some sort of acknowledgement of the country's military personnel, veterans and war dead. Indeed, in his speech, the King praised Canada's battlefield efforts on Juno Beach, at Dieppe, on the Somme, at Beaumont-Hamel, at Ypres and on Vimy Ridge. The royal couple was then whisked away to the airport in an electric BMW sedan and not the American-made Lincoln town car that was used the last time they were in the nation's capital — a symbolic gesture as Canada grapples with Trump's auto tariffs. John Fraser, the founding president of the Institute for the Study of the Crown in Canada, said Charles "was almost flawless in the way he handled everything, including getting a kiss from Margaret Trudeau," referencing the ex-prime minister's mother's breach of protocol when she gave the King a French double kiss on the cheeks. Image | Royal Visit 20250527 Caption: The King and Queen spent time greeting onlookers after the throne speech. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press) Open Image in New Tab Fraser said the throne speech was a distinctly Canadian affair given just how informal it was at times, compared to what these events are like in the U.K. He noted you'd never see the monarch milling about, speaking to parliamentarians in the British House of Lords like Charles did today. And unlike in the past, the Governor General was by Charles's side for much of the two-day visit. In the past, the viceregal would almost disappear when the monarch was on Canadian soil, Fraser said in an interview. The dress code was also distinctly casual for some attendees — Justin Trudeau wore running shoes on the Senate floor; the guard of honour was outfitted with pith helmets, not the usual bearskin hats. "The King established a record of easy informality despite all of the ceremony," Fraser said. "The formal business was mixed with an openness, and that's a good evolution for the Crown in Canada." Fraser said he also thought Charles's Canadian sovereignty talk was "a lot stronger than I thought it would be. It was more muscular. I was expecting something anodine like, 'It's a lovely country with rolling hills.' No. And then, he threw in the national anthem at the end — it was an inspired choice. Trump may well have given the Crown in Canada a leg up."
