On December 4, the Governor General delivered the first Speech from the Throne, Making Real Change Happen, on behalf of the new Federal Government under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Several themes emerged from the Governor General’s address. Growth for the middle class, which includes an immediate tax cut. The Trudeau Government is pledging a more open and transparent government including consultations on electoral reform. The Government will undertake to renew, nation-to-nation, the relationship with Canada’s indigenous peoples. The Government will review existing defence capabilities. It will focus development assistance on helping the world’s poorest and most vulnerable. The Government will also expand trade opportunities and pursue other opportunities with emerging markets.

 

Under the theme, A Clean Environment and a Strong Economy, the Government has indicated it will provide leadership working toward putting a price on carbon and reducing carbon pollution. The Government plans on making strategic investments in clean technology and providing support for companies seeking to export those technologies; and, indigenous peoples will be more fully engaged in reviewing and monitoring major resource development projects.