Canada’s Governor General has delivered her second Throne Speech.
On Wednesday afternoon, Julie Payette opened the return to Parliament after it was prorogued just over a month ago.
Payette told members that the number one priority of the government is do even more to protect Canadians, especially the most vulnerable, during the Covid-19 pandemic.
This includes more financial help for businesses that may have to close short-term if the local health unit decides it necessary.
As the government looks forward, it promises to create one million jobs by investing in infrastructure, training and hiring incentives.
The wage subsidy will also be extended though to next summer.
The throne speech includes an action plan to get women back into the workforce as well.
Payette says the government wants to build back a better Canada by investing in health care, fighting climate change and supporting social systems.
Regarding health care, Payette says the government will make sure everyone has access to a
family doctor or primary care team. It says it will also expand capacity for virtual health care.
One big question mark: how much all of these proposals could cost? The federal deficit is already expected to balloon to over $343-billion this year, primarly because of Covid aid programs.
Conservatives immediately panned the speech and indicated they won’t support it — with Deputy Leader Candice Bergen saying it offers no fiscal frame work.
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh made comments the party will take a close look at it first before deciding to support it.
Now that the throne speech has been read, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will address the nation at 6:30 tonight.
He is expected to speak about Canada’s current COVID-19 situation and summarize the Liberals’ new commitments.