Canada’s Governor General Mary Simon says confronting hard questions is not always easy or comfortable, but necessary and that the outcome will be a united, sustainable Canada.
Simon delivered her throne speech this afternoon in Ottawa, opening the 44th Parliament.
The speech outlined the legislative priorities of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government.
“Yes, the decade got off to an incredibly difficult start but this is the time to rebuild,” she said. “This is the moment for parliamentarians to work together to get big things done and shape a better future for our kids.”
Priority #1, she said, is getting the pandemic under control and the government believes the best way to do that is vaccination.
Strengthening the healthcare system is also important, said Simon, as is growing a more resilient economy that works for everyone.
“The government will also continue making life more affordable for all Canadians,” she added. To tackle the rising cost of living, Simon said work on housing and affordable childcare will continue via things like a flexible, first-time home-buyers incentive and the Canada Child Benefit as well as the first Canada-wide early learning childcare system.
Hopefully, families will save thousands of dollars through these measures, she suggested.
Simon says it’s also a moment for bolder climate action.
She says building the economy with green jobs and working with like-minded countries will bring about a more sustainable resilient economy. Accelerate our path to a 100 percent net zero future and increasing the price on pollution while putting more dollars back in Canadians pockets will help the move in this direction. Strengthening partnerships with indigenous communities to protect the land will continue as will the government’s strengthening of gun control she said.
The Federal government will also work towards its 10-year action plan on gender-based violence and support organizations providing critical services.
Combatting hate and racism with a renewed anti-racism strategy will happen as the government continues to stand up for diversity and inclusion and complete the ban on conversion therapy.
The gov will also continue to reform the criminal justice system and policing. Protecting the French language too both outside and inside Quebec will continue.
Simon said Canada will move to strengthen the broadcasting act, making sure web giants pay their share for creation and promotion of Canadian content.
Simon thanked all workers across Canada in her speech, especially those in healthcare, for their help during the pandemic.
Canada, she added, must also put a focus on mental health as it’s connected with physical well-being.
She said parliamentarians should collaborate with and encourage each other heading into the future.
She also touched on the discovery of unmarked graves at Canada’s former residential school sites saying we must turn the guilt we carry into action – actions on reconciliation, our collective health, and climate change.
Photo of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Governor General Mary Simon via the Governer General of Canada’s website.