Throne speech signals new First Nations era

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

It also reiterates Trudeau’s pledge to cut the tax rate for middle-income earners and provide a more generous child benefit to those who need it, all paid for by a tax hike on the wealthiest one per cent.

Infrastructure: The government is restating its pledge to “make significant new investments” in public transit, green infrastructure and social infrastructure.

“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. “From the founding of New France, to the fight for Canada in the War of 1812; from the visionary achievement of Confederation, to our victory at Vimy Ridge, Canadians have repeatedly triumphed over long odds to forge a great country, united and free”, the speech read.

“Although not in the Throne Speech, First Nations view the elimination of Boiled Water Advisories within five years and removing the 2% cap as priority issues and we will work with the Liberal government on accomplishing these campaign promises”.

As a further shift, the new government said it also meant to replace Canada’s voting system before the next election.

The speech also reiterated the Liberals’ promises to “legalize, regulate and restrict access to marijuana”, develop a new health funding accord with the provinces, bring in 25,000 Syrian refugees by the end of February and support the CBC.

Former prime ministers Jean Chrétien, John Turner and Joe Clark were among the dignitaries in attendance.

The speech stuck with themes Trudeau promised during the October election campaign, including taking a more positive, less divisive approach to governing. We will also invest in clean technology and introduce new environmental assessment processes that seek and consider public input, with decisions informed by scientific advice.

Like all Canadians, the CMA will be watching for the government to fill in the details in the promises and principles outlined in the Throne Speech, Dr. Forbes said.

Mulcair said he was concerned that the speech did not include other campaign promises, such as the restoration of door-to-door mail delivery and new oversight provisions for anti-terror legislation.

“The government will not… interfere with the work of parliamentary officers; and it will not resort to devices like prorogation and omnibus bills to avoid scrutiny”, Johnston said.