King Charles III Reads Throne Speech

He is the first monarch to deliver the throne speech in 1977.

OTTAWA - History was made in the nation's capital.

King Charles III read the throne speech in Ottawa yesterday, opening Canada's 45th Parliament.

The throne speech lays out the government's goals for the next four years and it's typically read by the Governor General as the representative of the monarch. Before yesterday, Queen Elizabeth was the last monarch to deliver a throne speech in 1977 and in 1957.

During his speech yesterday, the King stated that Canada facing a world that's more dangerous and uncertain than any point since World War II.

"Many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them. Fundamental change is always unsettling. Yet this moment is also an incredible opportunity. An opportunity for renewal. An opportunity to think big and to act bigger. An opportunity for Canada to embark on the largest transformation of its economy since the Second World War. A confident Canada, which has welcomed new Canadians, including from some of the most tragic global conflict zones, can seize this opportunity by recognising that all Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away. And that by staying true to Canadian values, Canada can build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians."  

He said Prime Minister Mark Carney's government will redefine it's relationship with the United States, build up the Canadian Armed Forces and join the ReArm Europe plan, a which is a major defence procurement project to ramp up military arms production in Europe.

The King also said the Government will help Canadians who are struggling financially.

"The Government is responding, reducing middle-class taxes and saving two-income families up to $840 a year. It will cut the GST on homes at or under $1 million for first-time homebuyers, delivering savings of up to $50,000. And it will lower the GST on homes between $1 million and $1.5 million."

He added the government will take steps to protect Canadians as well.

"To keep communities safe, the Government will hire 1,000 more RCMP personnel. It will change firearms licensing and strengthen enforcement of yellow and red flag laws. Weapons licences for those convicted of intimate partner violence and those subject to protection orders will be revoked. Through the deployment of scanners, drones and helicopters, additional personnel, and K-9 teams, the Government will stem the tide of illegal guns and drugs across the border."

The King said he's proud to see Canada live up to what his mother talked about seven decades ago.

"It is a source of great pride that in the following decades, Canada has continued to set an example to the world in her conduct and values as a force for good."

In his closing comments, he shared this iconic message that we're all familiar with.

"As the anthem reminds us, the true North is indeed strong and free."

You can read the full throne speech, which detailed the government's priorities for the current session, online here.

The King, as Head of State, has officially opened Canada’s 45th Parliament. 🇨🇦

Le Roi, en tant que chef de l'État, a officiellement ouvert la 45e législature du Canada.

Click below to read the Speech from the Throne.

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 27, 2025