This week her son King Charles III was in Ottawa to read the Throne Speech opening the 45th Parliament in the Senate's temporary facilities in the Senate of Canada Building at 2 Rideau Street. Suffice it to say that, although the monarch is entitled to read the Throne Speech and perform any number of monarchical duties relevant to Canada, most of these functions are handled by his Governor General, currently Her Excellency Mary Simon.
Why repeat something that hasn't occurred for nearly half a century? The new government of Prime Minister Mark Carney evidently judged that the unprecedented threats from the current President of the United States warranted a renewed emphasis on Canada's status as a constitutional monarchy with its own distinctive constitution and political traditions. How better to achieve this than by inviting the King himself to deliver the Throne Speech, not only to the assembled Senators and MPs, but to the entire nation and beyond.
The speech, of course, was drafted by the Prime Minister's Office and set forth the agenda of the government of the day. But in amongst the practicalities of ordinary governance, we heard these words:
It has been nearly 70 years since the sovereign first opened Parliament. In the time since, Canada has dramatically changed: Repatriating its Constitution, achieving full independence, and witnessing immense growth. Canada has embraced its British, French, and Indigenous roots, and become a bold, ambitious, innovative country that is bilingual, truly multicultural, and committed to reconciliation.
The crown has for so long been a symbol of unity for Canada. It also represents stability and continuity from the past to the present. As it should, it stands proudly as a symbol of Canada today, in all her richness and dynamism. . . .
I wish to express to you and to the people of Canada my heartfelt gratitude, and that of my wife, for the warmth of the welcome which we have received.
As the anthem reminds us: The True North is indeed strong and free!
There will, of course, be ample opportunity to examine and critique the government's agenda, and the opposition parties will do their best to hold Carney and his cabinet accountable for their policies. But for a brief moment it is good to see Canadians coming together as they did this week to celebrate the country and to welcome their king as he performed his constitutional duty.
For further reflection on the significance of King Charles' visit, see the following CBC report, which contains an interview with Justin Vovk, an expert on all things royal and a former student of yours truly:
And here is the King's Speech in its entirety:
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