OTTAWA — The Liberal government promised to make life more affordable for Canadians while taking action on climate change and furthering reconciliation with Indigenous communities in a speech for the throne read today by new Gov. Gen. Mary Simon.
The title of the speech was Building a Resilient Economy: A Cleaner and Healthier Future for our Kids. Simon read the speech to open the first session of the 44th Parliament of Canada.
To deal with inflation, the government identified two priorities – housing and child care.
“Whether it is building more units per year, increasing affordable housing or ending chronic homelessness, the government is committed to working with its partners to get real results,” the speech stated.
The Housing Accelerator Fund will help municipalities build more homes more quickly, the speech noted, while first-time home buyers will be able to take advantage of a more flexible First-Time Home Buyer’s Incentive, a new Rent-to-Own program and a mechanism to reduce closing costs.
The speech also stated that economic growth and protecting the environment will be twin goals.
“By focusing on innovation and good, green jobs, and by working with like-minded countries, we will build a more resilient, sustainable, and competitive economy,” the document said.
The government will take steps to help Canadian industries be leaders in producing the world’s cleanest steel, aluminum, building products, cars and planes, the Liberals promised.
“Not only do we have the raw materials and energy to do that, most importantly, we have skilled, hard-working Canadians to power these industries.”
The government will also collaborate with the provinces, territories, municipalities and Indigenous communities, as well as labour and the private sector, to tap into global capital and attract investors.
“Canada will emerge from this generational challenge stronger and more prosperous,” the speech said.
The government also promised to accelerate its efforts to fight climate change.
“That means moving to cap and cut oil and gas sector emissions, while accelerating our path to a 100 percent net-zero electricity future,” the speech stated.
“Investing in public transit and mandating the sale of zero emissions vehicles will help us breathe cleaner air.”
Priority number one for the government will remain fighting the pandemic, the speech indicated.
“Already, the government has mandated vaccination for federal and federally regulated workers, and for everyone travelling within Canada by plane, train, or ship. It has also ensured a standardized Canadian proof of vaccination for domestic and international use.”
Next up will be securing next generation COVID-19 vaccines, boosters, and doses for children aged five to 11.
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