Sovereign's address rife with symbolism amid Trump’s 51st state threats
King Charles announced sweeping housing reforms Tuesday that could save first-time homebuyers up to $50,000, as he delivered his first throne speech as Canada’s sovereign and called for measures to double home construction rates.
The government will cut GST on homes under $1 million for first-time buyers and reduce the tax on properties between $1 million and $1.5 million, Charles told parliamentarians in the Senate chamber. Municipal development charges will be cut in half for all multi-unit housing projects.
A new “mission-driven organization” called Build Canada Homes will accelerate affordable housing development and provide significant financing to builders, while investing in the prefabricated and modular housing industry.
While the sovereign opening Parliament is a relative rarity in Canada, prime minister Mark Carney reportedly pushed for Charles to deliver the speech amid US president Donald Trump’s repeated threats of annexation and suggestions that Canada should become the US’s 51st state.
Addressing global uncertainty
Charles opened his address by acknowledging the gathering on “unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg people” and expressing hope for “truth and reconciliation, in both word and deed.” Making his 20th visit to Canada but first as sovereign, he reflected on the nation’s transformation since Queen Elizabeth II last opened Parliament in 1957.
The King then outlined global challenges facing Canada, warning that “the world is a more dangerous and uncertain place than at any point since the Second World War.” He noted that many Canadians are struggling to get ahead amid economic uncertainty.
In response, Charles detailed the government’s economic agenda, beginning with middle-class tax reductions saving two-income families up to $840 annually. He emphasized protecting existing programs including child care, pharmacare, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan covering eight million Canadians.
Reforms in focus
Charles then presented the government’s “overarching goal” to build the strongest economy in the G7, starting with creating “one Canadian economy out of 13.” He announced legislation to remove all federal barriers to internal trade and labour mobility by Canada Day, addressing barriers that cost Canada $200 billion annually.
“The Government will undertake a series of measures to help double the rate of home building while creating an entirely new housing industry – using Canadian technology, Canadian skilled workers, and Canadian lumber,” Charles said, introducing the housing reforms.
The speech continued with security measures, including enhanced border legislation and rebuilding the Canadian Armed Forces, before addressing unity through protecting the French language, Quebec culture and CBC/Radio-Canada.
He outlined environmental commitments to protect 30% of Canada’s lands and waters by 2030, and detailed immigration reforms capping temporary foreign workers and international students to less than 5% of the population by 2027.
The King concluded with fiscal discipline measures, promising to reduce day-to-day government spending growth from 9% annually to below 2% while maintaining transfers to provinces and individuals.
“As the anthem reminds us: The True North is indeed strong and free,” Charles declared.
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