Speech from the Throne
Honourable Members of the Senate,
Members of the House of Commons,
Ladies and Gentlemen:
As the representative of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, I am
honoured
to welcome the newly elected members of the House of Commons on the
occasion of the opening of the First Session of the Thirty-Ninth
Parliament of Canada. Canadians rejoice in the coming eightieth birthday
of Her Majesty later this month, and in her more than fifty years of
service as Queen of Canada.
Since my appointment as Governor General of Canada, I have had the
privilege of meeting women and men who each and every day, and each in
their own way, reaffirm their attachment to this vast land that we share
and where people from around the world have found a home. Women and men of
ideas, conviction and action who have an abiding sense of responsibility,
solidarity and commitment to their neighbourhoods, to their communities
and to their country. And I am moved to see just how strong and vibrant a
country we are.
I have been particularly struck by the words of our young people and by
their wealth of ideas. Young people who are looking to carve out their
place and be heard. The new generation of Aboriginal entrepreneurs who are
creating new opportunities. Young people in our Canadian Forces who,
through their extraordinary efforts, offer a promise of hope for the
oppressed. More than ever, our young people represent not only the promise
of a brighter future, but also the vitality of our present.
I have met with people from our two great linguistic communities and I
can attest that our linguistic duality is a tremendous asset for the
country. Similarly, Canadian artists from all disciplines have confirmed
to me just how important creative expression is to the health of a
democratic society.
And I have heard from Canadians who feel they often lack a voice. Women
who are victims of violence. Families newly arrived in Canada who seek to
contribute to our society and our country's collective well-being.
Listening to citizens from all walks of life has strengthened my
already deep conviction that we are living in a country where everything
is possible, where each of us is free to follow his or her dreams but also
has a duty to help build our country and prepare it for the challenges
that lie ahead.
Building a Stronger Canada
On January 23, the Canadian people elected a new government. The
Government is honoured by the responsibility it has been given for
managing the affairs of our great country.
Canada is uniquely blessed in the strength and diversity of its people
and regions. Through hard work, foresight and good fortune, we have come
together to make our vast country one of the most successful the world has
ever seen.
The distance we have travelled is remarkable. A country once perceived
to be at the edge of the world is now at the leading edge of science,
business, the arts and sport. Whether it is on the podium in Turin, on the
rugged hills of Afghanistan, or in the bustling markets of Asia, Canadians
demonstrate time and time again that they are leaders.
The Government is proud of what Canadians have accomplished so far, and
is inspired by the country's bright prospects. It believes in the capacity
of Canadians to seize the enormous opportunities before them and build an
even stronger Canada, striving for excellence, anchored by enduring
values, and infused with growing confidence that they can make a
difference at home and in the world.
In support of building a stronger Canada, the Government's agenda will
be clear and focused. It will clean up government, provide real support to
ordinary working families and strengthen our federation as well as our
role in the world.
Turning a New Leaf
Canadians have chosen change. They want a government that treats their
tax dollars with respect. A government that puts ordinary working people
and their families first. A government that is accountable.
This Government has been given a mandate to lead the change demanded by
the Canadian people.
Leading change in a minority Parliament means working together. To this
end, the Government will look for shared goals and common ideas that will
help Canadians build a stronger Canada.
It is time to turn a new leaf.
Bringing Accountability Back to Government
No aspect of responsible government is more fundamental than having the
trust of citizens. Canadians' faith in the institutions and practices of
government has been eroded. This new government trusts in the Canadian
people, and its goal is that Canadians will once again trust in their
government. It is time for accountability.
To restore this trust, the first piece of legislation the Government
will bring forward will be the Federal Accountability Act.
This omnibus legislation and the associated Accountability Action Plan
will change the current system of oversight and management by
strengthening the rules and institutions that ensure transparency and
accountability to Canadians. The legislation will ban institutional and
large personal donations to political parties; it will ensure that
positions of public trust cannot be used as stepping stones to private
lobbying; and it will provide real protection for whistle-blowers who show
great courage in coming forward to do what is right.
The Government will strengthen the capacity and independence of
officers of Parliament, including the Auditor General, to hold the
Government to account. It will increase the transparency of appointments,
contracts and auditing within government departments and Crown
corporations.
Effective checks and balances are important, but they are not enough.
The trust of citizens must be earned every day. The Government will work
to earn that trust.
Helping Ordinary Working Canadians and Their Families
This Government believes that Canadians pay too much in tax. The
Government's tax plan will, over time, reduce the tax burden on all
Canadians.
To this end, the Government will reduce the Goods and Services Tax by
one percent. Cutting the GST will help all Canadians deal with the rising
cost of living, put money back in people's pockets and help stimulate the
economy.
Cutting the GST is the best way to lower taxes for all Canadians,
including low-income Canadians who need it most.
The Government will continue with a responsible approach to lowering
taxes for the benefit of Canadians and the Canadian economy, including a
further reduction of the GST to five percent.
Tackling Crime
Canadians have always taken pride in our low crime rates. Safe streets
have long characterized Canada's communities -- from villages to towns to
cities. Safe communities allow families and businesses to prosper.
Unfortunately, our safe streets and healthy communities are
increasingly under threat of gun, gang and drug violence.
This Government will tackle crime. It will propose changes to the
Criminal Code to provide tougher sentences for violent and repeat
offenders, particularly those involved in weapons-related crimes. It will
help prevent crime by putting more police on the street and improving the
security of our borders.
It is equally important that we prevent criminal behaviour before it
has a chance to take root. To this end, the Government will work with the
provinces and territories to help communities provide hope and opportunity
for our youth, and end the cycle of violence that can lead to broken
communities and broken lives.
Providing Child Care Choice and Support
Strong families ensure a bright future for Canada. The most important
investment we can make as a country is to help families raise their
children.
This Government understands that no two Canadian families are exactly
alike. Each has its own circumstances and needs. Parents must be able to
choose the child care that is best for them. The Government will help
Canadian parents, as they seek to balance work and family life, by
supporting their child care choices through direct financial support.
In collaboration with the provinces and territories, employers and
community non-profit organizations, it will also encourage the creation of
new child care spaces.
Ensuring Canadians Get the Health Care They Have Paid For
Canadians have paid their taxes to support our system of public health
insurance. But all too often, they find themselves waiting too long for
critical procedures. That is not good enough. It is time Canadians
received the health care they have paid for.
The Government will engage the provinces and territories on a patient
wait times guarantee for medically necessary services. This guarantee will
make sure that all Canadians receive essential medical treatment within
clinically acceptable waiting times.
A health system that is timely and sustainable will require innovation.
The Government will support and enable innovative approaches to health
care delivery consistent with the principles of a universally accessible
and equitable public health care system embodied in the Canada Health Act.
A Canada That Works for All of Us
One of Canada's greatest strengths is our federal system of government.
The founders of our country had the foresight to build a flexible federal
system that would accommodate our diversity and build upon the unique
strengths of the different parts of our federation.
To remain strong and effective, our federation must keep pace with the
evolving needs of Canadian society. Building on the work begun in the last
Parliament, this Government will seek to involve parliamentarians and
citizens in examining the challenges facing Canada's electoral system and
democratic institutions. At the same time, it will explore means to ensure
that the Senate better reflects both the democratic values of Canadians
and the needs of Canada's regions.
All too often, the strength of our federation is compromised by
jurisdictional squabbles that obscure accountabilities and prevent
governments from working together in the best interests of Canadians.
This new government will take a new approach. It is committed to
building a better federation in which governments come together to help
Canadians realize their potential. To this end, the Government will
respond to concerns about the fiscal imbalance and will work to ensure
fiscal arrangements in which all governments have access to the resources
they need to meet their responsibilities.
The Government is committed to an open federalism that recognizes the
unique place of a strong, vibrant Quebec in a united Canada. It will work
with the government and legislature of Quebec in a spirit of mutual
respect and collaboration to advance the aspirations of Quebecers. In the
international community, Canada is stronger when we speak with one voice,
but that voice must belong to all of us. In a more interdependent world,
decisions on international issues increasingly affect not only countries,
but also individuals, communities and regions.
This is why the Government will facilitate provincial participation in
the development of Canadian positions that affect areas of provincial
responsibility. The Government recognizes the special cultural
responsibilities of the Government of Quebec and will therefore invite
Quebec to play a role in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization. By harnessing the diversity of experience and
expertise found within our federation, we can present a strong, united and
confident voice to the world.
Canada - Strong, United, Independent and Free
Canada's voice in the world must be supported by action, both at home
and abroad. Advancing our interests in a complex and sometimes dangerous
world requires confidence and the independent capacity to defend our
country's sovereignty and the security of our citizens.
The Government will work cooperatively with our friends and allies and
constructively with the international community to advance common values
and interests. In support of this goal, it will build stronger
multilateral and bilateral relationships, starting with Canada's
relationship with the United States, our best friend and largest trading
partner.
More broadly, this Government is committed to supporting Canada's core
values of freedom, democracy, the rule of law and human rights around the
world. In this regard, the Government will support a more robust
diplomatic role for Canada, a stronger military and a more effective use
of Canadian aid dollars.
Just as it honours the past efforts of our veterans, the Government
stands firmly behind the vital role being played by our troops in
Afghanistan today. The dedicated Canadians in Afghanistan deserve all of
our support as they risk their lives to defend our national interests,
combat global terrorism and help the Afghan people make a new start as a
free, democratic and peaceful country.
Conclusion
The Government's clear and focused agenda reflects its commitment to
Canadians. It will not try to do all things at once. Instead, the
Government will work diligently to make tangible improvements that
contribute to stronger families and safer communities, and a stronger
country.
During this Thirty-Ninth Parliament, the Government will be bringing
forward fiscally responsible budgets and a legislative program that will
achieve the results that Canadians expect from their elected
representatives. In this work, it will rely on the support and counsel of
a dedicated and professional Public Service. In turn, it will give the
Public Service the leadership and tools it needs to excel in the service
of Canadians. Recognizing the important role of parliamentarians, members
of Parliament will be asked to conduct comprehensive reviews of key federal legislation, including the Canadian
Environmental Protection Act, the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Bank Act. The
Government will act in Parliament to offer an apology for the Chinese Head
Tax. Significant international treaties will be submitted for votes in
Parliament.
Over the course of its mandate, and starting with the clear priorities
set out today, the Government will work diligently to build a record of
results. It will promote a more competitive, more productive Canadian
economy. It will seek to improve opportunity for all Canadians, including
Aboriginal peoples and new immigrants. It will work to improve the
security of seniors. It will take measures to achieve tangible
improvements in our environment, including reductions in pollution and
greenhouse gas emissions.
This Government recognizes the unique challenges faced by those who
make their livelihood from our land and oceans in our vital natural
resource and agriculture industries. It will take action to secure a
prosperous future for Canadian agriculture, following years of neglect. It
will respond to short-term needs, create separate and more effective farm
income stabilization and disaster relief programs and work with producers
and partners to achieve long-term competitiveness and sustainability.
Together, the Government's actions will ensure Canada's future success.
With the efforts and contributions of members from both chambers, the
Government looks forward to making this Parliament work for the benefit of
the Canadian people.
Members of the House of Commons:
You will be asked to appropriate the funds required to carry out the
services and expenditures authorized by Parliament.
Honourable Members of the Senate and Members of the House of Commons:
May Divine Providence guide your deliberations.
Updated: 2006-04-04
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