OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — In a significant address that echoed Canada’s resolve and sovereignty, King Charles III opened the Canadian Parliament on Tuesday, addressing unprecedented global challenges and reaffirming Canada’s distinctive identity in the face of external pressures.
The king’s speech came in response to alarming remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has suggested the possibility of U.S. annexation of Canada. In light of these threats, Prime Minister Mark Carney invited Charles to deliver the Speech from the Throne, outlining the government’s priorities for the new parliamentary session.
“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 stated in French during his address.
Expressing empathy for the growing concerns among Canadians, the king noted, “Many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them.”
With a pointed declaration, Charles asserted that “True North is indeed strong and free”, bolstering the sentiment of Canadian sovereignty amidst external threats.
It is a rare occasion for the monarch to deliver the Speech from the Throne in Canada, with the previous occurrences being twice by his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Reflecting on how the nation has transformed over the decades, Charles remarked on the significant milestones since his mother first opened Parliament nearly 70 years ago, such as repatriating its constitution and achieving full independence. He emphasized Canada’s multiculturalism and its embrace of British, French, and Indigenous roots, declaring it a “bold, ambitious, innovative country that is bilingual, truly multicultural.”
Charles recalled the state of the world when his mother addressed Parliament in 1957, noting that the aftershocks of World War II were still palpable and the Cold War was escalating rapidly.
“Freedom and democracy were under threat,” he recalled. “Today, Canada faces another critical moment.”
The speech itself, prepared by the Canadian government, was read by the king, who maintained a nonpartisan stance in his role as head of state.
Noting the public’s indifference towards the monarchy, Carney has aimed to emphasize Canada’s distinct identity compared to the U.S., asserting that Charles’s visit symbolizes a commitment to Canada’s autonomy.
“I have always had the greatest admiration for Canada’s unique identity, which is recognized across the world for bravery and sacrifice in defense of national values,” Charles expressed, recognizing the warmth and diversity embodied by Canadians.
Carney, who has taken a firm stance against what he perceives as Trump’s aggression, stated that his first official trip was to London and Paris, highlighting Canada’s historical ties with both nations.
The king reiterated the government’s priorities, which include the protection of the French language and Quebec culture, essentials of Canadian identity at a time when these elements could face pressure from U.S. policies. He specifically mentioned the need to defend Quebec’s dairy supply management system, which has come under fire in recent trade discussions with the U.S.
Moreover, amid criticisms regarding military spending, Charles assured that the Canadian government would bolster its military investments, including a plan to join the “REARM Europe” initiative—a significant European defense procurement project aimed at increasing arms production within Europe, with no mention of U.S. military acquisitions.
The ceremony was steeped in tradition, with Charles and Queen Camilla arriving in a grand horse-drawn carriage accompanied by an impressive display of horses and an honor guard. A 21-gun salute greeted them as they made their entrance into the Senate building amidst cheers from the gathered crowd.
Former Canadian Prime Ministers Justin Trudeau and Stephen Harper were present to witness this historic occasion.
As the royal couple concluded their visit with a trip to Canada’s National War Memorial, enthusiastic members of the public expressed their appreciation, marking a warm farewell.
Justin Vovk, a Canadian royal historian, reflected on the visit’s importance, likening it to Queen Elizabeth II’s historic opening of the Parliament in Grenada in 1985 during a time of conflict involving U.S. military operations.
This week’s address not only highlighted the evolving geopolitical landscape but reinforced Canada’s commitment to maintain its sovereignty, cultural identity, and democratic values against potential encroachments from external forces.
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