OTTAWA, ON – The ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, reconciliation, and climate change.
Those are some of the areas covered in the speech from the throne marking the opening of the 44th Parliament.
Governor-General Mary Simon delivered her comments in the Senate Chamber on Tuesday promising that COVID-19 aid supports, including benefit programs for workers and businesses, will continue.
Simon says not only do Canadians want MPs to work together to put the COVID-19 pandemic behind us, they also want bold, concrete solutions to meet other challenges we face.
“Growing an economy that works for everyone, fighting climate change, moving forward on a path of reconciliation, making sure our communities are safe, healthy, and inclusive,” stated Simon.
Housing affordability initiatives and $10 a day child care deals with the provinces are also being promised. Alberta has already signed on to the child care agreement.
As far as the environment goes, Simon says the government will move to cap and cut oil and gas sector emissions and mandate the sale of zero-emission vehicles.
Criminal sanctions for threatening health care workers were also announced as part of the speech.