Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
Tags:
Journalism of Courage
UK’s King Charles opened a new session of the Canadian Parliament on Tuesday, warning that the country is facing “unprecedented challenges” as tensions grow with the United States over annexation threats from President Donald Trump. The speech was reported by the Associated Press (AP).
In his address, delivered in both English and French, the king said: “We must face reality: since the Second World War, our world has never been more dangerous and unstable. Canada is facing challenges that, in our lifetimes, are unprecedented.”
His speech comes after Trump repeatedly suggested the US could annex Canada. In response, Prime Minister Mark Carney invited the monarch to deliver the speech from the throne, a formal address that outlines the government’s priorities. The king’s visit is seen as a message of support for Canada’s sovereignty.
It is rare for the monarch to deliver this speech in Canada. King Charles’s mother, Queen Elizabeth II, did so only twice once in 1957 and again in 1977.
King Charles acknowledged that many Canadians are feeling unsettled by current events. “Many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them,” he said, according to AP.
He went on to praise Canada’s identity, saying: “I have always had the greatest admiration for Canada’s unique identity, which is recognised across the world for bravery and sacrifice in defence of national values, and for the diversity and kindness of Canadians.”
Charles also reflected on how much Canada has changed since Queen Elizabeth opened Parliament nearly 70 years ago. “Canada has dramatically changed: repatriating its constitution, achieving full independence, and witnessing immense growth. Canada has embraced its British, French, and Indigenous roots, and become a bold, ambitious, innovative country that is bilingual and truly multicultural,” he said.
In a part of the speech prepared by the government, the king outlined plans to boost Canada’s military and protect its sovereignty. “The government will protect Canada’s sovereignty by rebuilding, rearming, and reinvesting in the Canadian Armed Forces,” he read. The speech also included plans for Canada to join the ‘ReArm Europe’ initiative and strengthen its presence in the Arctic.
The king also highlighted the importance of democratic values. “Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination, and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the government is determined to protect,” he said.
The US ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, played down concerns, saying that the talk of annexation should not be taken seriously. He told the CBC that “there are easier ways to send a message,” suggesting a phone call would be more effective.
Among other priorities mentioned were the protection of the French language and Quebec’s culture. “They define the country that Canadians, and I, love so much,” Charles said. He added that Canada is committed to supporting institutions such as CBC/Radio-Canada.
The king also said the government would protect Quebec’s dairy supply management, a sector Trump had previously criticised in trade talks.
King Charles travelled to the Senate in a horse-drawn carriage and received a Royal Salute before delivering the speech. He is expected to return to the United Kingdom after visiting Canada’s National War Memorial.
Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram
