"A Significant Moment... The Government Will Protect Self-Determination"
On the 27th (local time), King Charles III, who is also the monarch of Canada, delivered the 'Speech from the Throne' at the opening session of the Canadian Parliament for the first time in half a century as the British monarch. While Charles III did not directly mention U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs or threats of annexation of Canada, he emphasized Canadian sovereignty and expressed support for Canada.
According to the Associated Press and other sources, Charles III stated in his parliamentary address in Ottawa that day, "Canada is facing another significant moment today," and stressed, "Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination, and freedom are values cherished by Canadians and are values the government is committed to protecting."
He went on to point out, "Although it is not perfect, the open global trading system that has brought prosperity to Canadians over the past decades is changing," and added, "Canada's relationships with partner nations are also evolving."
Charles III said, "We must face reality. There has not been a period since World War II that was more dangerous and unstable than today," and emphasized, "Canada is facing unprecedented challenges." He added, "Many Canadians are feeling anxiety and concern about the rapidly changing world around them."
He stated that the Canadian government would reinvest in its military to protect its sovereignty. He also said that Canada would participate in 'REARM Europe,' a large-scale European defense procurement initiative.
Quoting the Canadian national anthem, he underscored Canadian sovereignty by saying, "The true North is indeed strong and free." He also praised Canada, saying, "Canada has continued to set an example to the world through its actions and values as a force for good."
The Speech from the Throne is an address in which the monarch announces the opening of Parliament and outlines the government's policy direction. It is equivalent to the British monarch's 'King's Speech.' In practice, it is rare for the monarch to deliver the speech directly; it is usually given by the Governor General of Canada, who serves as the monarch's representative. The late Queen Elizabeth II, mother of Charles III, delivered the Speech from the Throne only twice during her more than 70-year reign, in 1957 and 1977. This was the first such address in 48 years.
In Canada, a Commonwealth country, support for the monarchy had been sharply declining. However, after President Trump's inauguration and his remarks about the possible 'annexation as America's 51st state' and other threats to sovereignty, anti-American sentiment rose and public opinion toward the British monarch reversed.
According to a poll released that day by Canadian pollster Ipsos-Reid, 66% of respondents said they believe the relationship between Canada and the monarchy is useful. This is because it helps differentiate Canada from the United States. This figure is up from 54% in April 2023.
The content of Charles III's Speech from the Throne was mostly prepared by the Canadian government, similar to how the British 'King's Speech' is drafted by the UK government. However, Reuters reported that the references to Canada were handled by Charles III himself.
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