Under bright skies, King Charles III arrived at Canada’s Senate on Tuesday morning to mark the opening of Canada’s 45th Parliament with a speech from the throne. His arrival in a 28-horse-drawn Royal carriage followed a journey through Canada’s capital, while fighter jets traced arcs across the sky.
The pageantry seemed aimed at underscoring a deeper political message: that Canada is a sovereign nation, distinct from its southern neighbour.
“Every time I come to Canada, a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream — and from there straight to my heart,” the King said in the throne speech.
“I have always had the greatest admiration for Canada’s unique identity, which is recognized across the world for bravery and sacrifice in defence of national values, and for the diversity and kindness of Canadians.”
A vision for renewal
King Charles’ throne speech laid out the Liberal government’s ambitious policy agenda and vision for national renewal. It emphasized affordability, sovereignty and unity amidst growing global instability.
“Many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them,” the King said. “By staying true to Canadian values, Canada can build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians.”
The speech touched on several key Liberal campaign promises. The speech referenced plans to create a new government agency to double housing construction, to eliminate federal barriers to internal trade, and to cap temporary foreign workers and international students.
The speech also promised to define a “new economic and security relationship” with the U.S., and asserted a desire to lead a coalition of like-minded countries on the world stage.
In a nod to security, the speech announced new powers for the Canada Border Services Agency to stem the flow of fentanyl and stolen goods, the hiring of 1,000 new RCMP officers, and Canada’s participation in a European defence initiative known as ReArm Europe.
Sovereignty and symbolism
The decision to have King Charles deliver the address — rather than the Governor General — was both legally permissible and politically deliberate, Elizabeth McCallion, a political science professor at the University of Toronto, told Canadian Affairs on Friday.
“Having King Charles deliver the speech is a way to reinforce Canada’s sovereignty from U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats of annexation,” said McCallion. “It’s intended to send a message that Canada is its own country with a different political system.”
The throne speech implicitly contrasted Canada with the U.S. It highlighted Canada’s constitutional independence and unique civic identity. The King acknowledged Canada’s “full independence” and the symbolic evolution of the Crown as a unifying force “from the past to the present.”
“The King of Canada is a separate position from the King of the United Kingdom,” McCallion said. “Legally, Canada is not subjugated to the U.K. in any way. We fully control our own constitution and our laws.”
McCallion said the day would be carefully calibrated to inspire national cohesion at a time of geopolitical tension.
“Many Canadians at this point might be feeling a little bit of hope or support coming from the Crown with the visit of King Charles,” she said. “That could be potentially a moment of inspiration for Canadians to rally together.”
‘Worth the drive’
With the exception of a few brief moments for silent pause at the National War Memorial, King Charles was showered in “hurrah”s, and “God Save the King”s by throngs of exuberant monarchists for the entire time he was visible to the public.
For sisters Debbie and Susan Guiry, who drove four hours from Bobcaygeon, Ont., the ceremony on Parliament Hill was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“We’ve been to London twice and never seen the Royal Family,” said Debbie, 68. “So to be able to come here and see them — it was amazing.”
“We were just tickled pink,” said Susan, 70.
Both sisters were surprised and impressed by the proximity of the Royal Tour.
“You see them up close like that,” said Debbie. “That was thrilling for us. We just said, ‘This has been epic.’”
For the Guirys, the timing of the King’s visit felt significant amidst uncertainty in the Canada-U.S. relationship. “It’s the timing of it — with what’s going on right now in Canada with the U.S.,” said Debbie. “[F]or the Monarch to come here and just say, ‘Yeah, I am a part of this. I’m a big part of Canada. We’re part of the Commonwealth.’”
By early afternoon, the King’s motorcade had pulled away, leaving the government to face the real test for its ambitious agenda — in the House of Commons.
Parliament officially began on May 26 with the election of Francis Scarpaleggia as Speaker of the House. Barring an extension agreement, Parliament will adjourn for summer recess on June 20, and will re-convene in mid September.
King Charles visit to Canada was the best thing that has happened to our sovereign nation in a long time. Not only did it send a message to Trump and the MAGA crowd, but it made younger Canadians aware of our historic ties to the monarchy. And yet there are still people who think we should become a republic like the US. Seriously? God save the King!