PM Mark Carney has an audience with King Charles at Rideau Hall in Ottawa during the royal visit on Monday, May 26, 2025.
In a dramatic shift, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government has thrown its weight behind ReArm Europe — a sweeping defence initiative set to boost arms production across the continent. The move, revealed during a historic throne speech, signals Canada’s intent to reclaim military strength and reduce reliance on an increasingly unpredictable United States.
King Charles Delivers a Rare Address to Parliament
For the first time in nearly five decades, a reigning British monarch stood before Canada’s Parliament to deliver the speech from the throne. King Charles’s words struck a patriotic and urgent tone, emphasizing the need to “rebuild, rearm, and reinvest” in the Canadian Armed Forces to protect national sovereignty.
The throne speech came on the heels of the April election and marked the formal start of a new parliamentary session.
A Response to Global Instability and U.S. Tensions
With global alliances shifting and trust in traditional partners fraying, Ottawa’s decision to join ReArm Europe sends a clear message. It’s a declaration of independence from the United States, where President Donald Trump continues to stoke trade wars and even floated the idea of annexing Canada.
King Charles didn’t shy away from outlining the stakes. He warned that the world is now “more dangerous and uncertain” than at any time since World War II. But he also framed the moment as a turning point — one of “renewal” rather than retreat.
The Anthem’s Message: Strong and Free
The speech echoed the national anthem, affirming that the “true North is indeed strong and free.” It painted a picture of a confident, united Canada, capable of rising to global challenges while embracing its identity as a multicultural haven. Refugees from war-torn nations were highlighted as contributors to Canada’s strength and future.
Not Just Defence — Domestic Goals Take the Stage
Titled Building Canada Strong, the 23-page speech was not all about military might. The government pledged swift action on housing affordability, promising to cut the GST on homes under $1 million for first-time buyers and slash taxes for the lowest income earners.
The document mentioned the word “build” 30 times, underlining a sweeping vision for infrastructure growth. Plans include eliminating federal barriers to labour mobility by Canada Day and fast-tracking major national projects.
Opposition Fires Back at ‘Empty’ Promises
Not everyone was impressed. Interim NDP Leader Don Davies criticized the throne speech for lacking focus on workers, health care, and Indigenous housing. He called it “Conservative-lite” and disconnected from everyday concerns.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre went further, branding it all slogans, no substance. He slammed the absence of oil, gas, and pipeline plans, and promised to propose amendments calling for cost cuts, pipeline support, and the repeal of controversial policies like Bill C-75 and the electric vehicle mandate.
What’s Next? A Heated Debate Ahead
With Parliament now in session, the government faces tough questions about how it plans to deliver on these promises. The NDP is set to decide Wednesday whether it will support the speech.
The throne speech may have set the stage for Canada’s defence and economic renewal — but whether the performance wins applause or sparks a political storm is still up in the air.
