Canada’s Trudeau sets agenda in Ottawa speech

Trudeau’s promise to launch a process that would lead to the legalization and regulation of marijuana contributed to the Liberal Party’s victory in the October 19 general election.

“None of that is mentioned in the Speech From the Throne, so we are very concerned about that”, she said.

Canada is “fundamentally a safe and peaceful country” and the government will work to keep Canadians it that way, he said.

Welcome 25,000 new Canadians from Syria.

“Recognizing that public investment is needed to create and support economic growth, job creation and economic prosperity, the government will make significant new investments in public transit, green infrastructure, and social infrastructure”, he said. Instead, the government pledged to carry out its agenda “while pursuing a fiscal plan that is responsible, transparent and suited to challenging economic times”.

The government promised to deliver middle-class tax cuts pronto, and to scrap the Conservative’s universal child care benefit.

Any Canadians looking for clues in the speech as to the future of high-profile pipeline projects like Energy East; the military mission against the Islamic State; or reform of the Communication Security Establishment, Canada’s electronic spy agency, were likely disappointed on Friday. Among other measures, this will include implementing the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and launching an inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginals and girls.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s mandate letters to all ministers also emphasized performance and results, with ministers and cabinet committees expected to track and report on the progress of government priorities and their effectiveness.

On the environment, it promised to continue working with the provinces to put a price on carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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.

Ambrose did say she was encouraged by a promise of legislation to address survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault and by the commitment to improve relations with First Nations.

New environmental assessment processes with decisions based on scientific evidence.

And, in repeating a promise that the Conservatives tried to use against Mr. Trudeau during the election campaign, Mr. Johnston said the Liberal government “will legalize, regulate and restrict access to marijuana”.

NDP leader Thomas Mulcair indicated that his party would have liked to have heard mention of lowering the retirement age in the speech.