Middle-class tax cut and new child benefit top priorities in throne speech

The Justin Trudeau era is officially underway in Parliament with the reading of a throne speech sketching out the priorities of the new Liberal government.

Promises to enhance the Canada Pension Plan and the employment insurance system were reiterated Friday, as well as the government’s commitment to support veterans and develop a new health accord with the provinces and territories.

Trudeau pledged “greater openness and transparency in government”, Senate reform and to consult on election law changes to end the so-called first-past-the-post electoral system.

Brison will be overseeing the open government initiatives. “The Speech from the Throne may set the tone for a renewed relationship, but the budget will deliver on securing our rightful place in Canada”.

Robyn Benson, president of the giant Public Service Alliance of Canada, noted that the throne speech was silent about rebuilding labour relations with the 18 federal unions and about the Liberals’ promises to repeal what’s viewed as the previous Conservative government’s anti-labour legislation.

“Notable are the things the government will not do: it will not use government ads for partisan purposes”, said the speech. She also expressed concern that there was no mention in the Speech of the fight against Islamic State terrorists.

“The times we live in demand nothing less”, Johnston said.

In a statement, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that the agenda was developed by “listening” to Canadians.

“I am thrilled that the government said it will be a top priority to establish a nation-to-nation relationship with our First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples”, said Mulcair.

“What we’ve seen in the Speech from the Throne is nothing less than big government and big spending, which we know will result in higher taxes for Canadians”, she told reporters.

Former prime ministers John Turner, Joe Clark and Jean Chretien sat together to Johnston’s left – perhaps meant to celebrate the non-partisanship that is sometimes required even in the most political of venues.

A clear challenge facing the Liberals is that federal revenues over the coming four years likely won’t be strong enough to fund the promises outlined in the party platform and the Throne Speech.

It’s expected taxes will be featured front and center.

“In this Parliament, all members will be honoured, respected and heard, wherever they sit”, Johnston said.