King Charles will deliver the Liberal government’s throne speech this morning as the new parliamentary session officially kicks off.
The King’s visit, which is happening at Prime Minister Mark Carney’s request, is a chance to assert Canada’s sovereignty by nodding to the country’s longstanding ties to the Crown in the wake of Trump’s 51st state taunts.
The speech from the throne sets out a government’s priorities at the opening of every new session of Parliament.
Traditionally the Governor General reads the speech, but Tuesday will mark only the third time since Confederation that the monarch will do the honours.
CBC News chief political correspondent Rosemary Barton, together with Power & Politics host David Cochrane, provide special live coverage beginning at 9 a.m. ET on CBC TV, CBC News Network and everywhere you stream CBC News: CBC Gem, CBCNews.ca, the CBC News app and YouTube channel and on your smart TV.
Tuesday’s throne speech will offer more pomp and circumstance than a typical throne speech.
The protocol, pomp and ceremony of Canada’s throne speech
Just before 10 a.m. ET, the King and Queen will travel to the Senate in Canada’s State Landau — the ceremonial horse-drawn carriage used for royal and viceregal transport in Ottawa — from outside the Bank of Canada on Wellington Street.
The carriage will be accompanied by 28 horses of the RCMP Musical Ride, with 14 in front and the rest following behind.
At the Senate, the King will receive full military honours, including a 100-person guard of honour from the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment, an inspection of the guard and the band, followed by a 21-gun salute.
