King Charles III Delivers Historic Throne Speech in Canada, Affirms Sovereignty Amid Global Uncertainty
First monarch since Queen Elizabeth II to address Parliament; underscores national pride, economic transformation, and security commitments

Ottawa, May 28, 2025: In a moment marking both tradition and transformation, King Charles III delivered Canada’s speech from the throne on Tuesday, the first time a monarch has done so since Queen Elizabeth II in 1977. The speech, presented in the Senate chambers, laid out Prime Minister Mark Carney’s vision for the next parliamentary session while signaling a clear assertion of Canada’s sovereignty amid strained relations with the United States.

The nearly 30-minute address, traditionally delivered by the Governor General, emphasized Canadian unity, reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, and the need to navigate an increasingly unpredictable world. Delivered in both English and French, the King’s words acknowledged historical milestones, present-day challenges, and aspirations for Canada’s future.

“It is with a sense of deep pride and pleasure that my wife and I join you here today,” the King began, acknowledging the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg People and reaffirming his commitment to truth and reconciliation.

Marking his 20th visit to Canada—and first as sovereign—King Charles described Canada as “a bold, ambitious, innovative country,” praising its multicultural fabric and commitment to values like democracy, pluralism, and self-determination. “While the world faces unprecedented challenges,” he said, “your communities have the skills and determination to bring a wealth of solutions.”

With global instability rising and trade systems shifting, the King warned that “the world is a more dangerous and uncertain place than at any point since the Second World War.” He emphasized that this moment offers “an incredible opportunity” for renewal and economic transformation, calling for Canada to become the “strongest economy in the G7.”

To achieve this, the government aims to unify the national economy by removing internal trade and labour mobility barriers that cost up to $200 billion annually. New legislation will be introduced to remove all remaining federal trade barriers by Canada Day. Additionally, a Major Federal Project Office will be created to expedite project approvals from five years to two, while maintaining environmental and constitutional obligations.

A central feature of the government’s plan is affordable housing. A new organization—Build Canada Homes—will spearhead efforts to double the rate of home building using Canadian resources and labour. GST cuts for homes under $1.5 million and reduced municipal development charges for multi-unit housing are also on the agenda.

On national security, the speech outlined robust measures: enhanced border protections, new powers for the Canada Border Services Agency, and recruitment of 1,000 more RCMP officers. Legislation will be introduced to combat drug smuggling, car theft, and human trafficking, while ensuring the rights of Indigenous Peoples and lawful gun owners are protected.

Canada’s military presence in the North will be strengthened, and the country will join the ReArm Europe initiative to bolster transatlantic defence cooperation.

Domestically, the government pledged to reduce operating budget growth from nine percent to below two percent, committing to balance the operating budget over three years through waste reduction, public service caps, and technological upgrades.

The government also reaffirmed its commitments to Indigenous communities by doubling the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program to $10 billion and supporting full Indigenous participation in major projects. Immigration reform will cap temporary foreign workers and international students to less than five percent of the population by 2027.

The French language and Quebec’s culture were identified as central to Canadian identity. The government pledged continued protection for CBC/Radio-Canada and Canada’s agricultural sector, including supply management.

The King concluded by echoing his late mother’s 1957 speech, emphasizing Canada’s enduring role as a “force for good” in the world. “The True North is indeed strong and free,” he said, reaffirming his and Queen Camilla’s gratitude for the warm welcome they received.

The speech solidified the Carney government’s core mission: to protect Canadian sovereignty, empower economic transformation, and uphold the values that define the nation.