King Charles mentions 'land acknowledgement' in Canada throne speech amid Trump row
Charles' speech took place in Canada on TuesdayKing Charles mentioned “land acknowledgement” as he gave the Speech from the Throne during the opening of Canada’s Parliament on Tuesday.
The king and his wife, Queen Camilla, arrived in Canada on Monday for a two-day trip this week. The trip coincided with the opening of the 45th Parliament of Canada.
Charles, 76, followed in his late mother Queen Elizabeth II’s footsteps by giving the throne speech – something she did in 1957 and 1977.
King Charles’ Speech from the Throne explained
King Charles is the head of state in Canada. Canada’s House of Commons and Senate cannot conduct any public business until the Speech from the Throne is made.
Traditionally, the Governor General – a role Mary Simon has held since 2021 – gives the speech. The Governor General is the monarch’s top representative in Canada.
The speech sets out the government’s agenda when a new parliamentary session is going to begin.
It’s called Speech from the Throne as it’s read from a seat in the Senate Chamber that is reserved for the monarch or their Canadian representative.
On this occasion, the Canadian prime minister, Mark Carney, invited King Charles to inaugurate the new parliament.
King Charles mentions ‘land acknowledgement’ in Canada throne speech
In the speech, written by PM Carney’s government, the king began: “It is with a sense of deep pride and pleasure that my wife and I join you here today, as we witness Canadians coming together in a renewed sense of national pride, unity and hope.
“I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg people. This land acknowledgement is a recognition of shared history as a nation.
“While continuing to deepen my own understanding, it is my great hope that in each of your communities, and collectively as a country, a path is found toward truth and reconciliation, in both word and deed.”
In another part of the speech, Charles said: “We owe it to this generation, and those who succeed us, to think and act for the greater good of all. While the world faces unprecedented challenges, generating uncertainties across the continents with regards to peace and stability, economics and climate change, your communities have the skills and determination to bring a wealth of solutions.”
King Charles also said that for “so long” the Crown has been a “symbol of unity for Canada”. It also “represents stability and continuity from the past to the present”.
Charles addresses ‘anxious’ Canadians
He continued: “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 recognizing 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 went on to detail Canada’s government’s plans to “build the strongest economy in the G7”. It also included Canada’s plans for “legislation to enhance security at Canada’s borders”.
The speech also stated that “the government will discharge its duty to protect Canadians and their sovereign rights from wherever challenges may come at home or abroad”.
On the royal family’s Instagram account, a personal message from King Charles and Queen Camilla was shared as their trip came to an end.
It read: “As my wife and I leave Canada, we wanted to send our most heartfelt thanks to all those who turned out to offer their support on this, my first visit as Sovereign.
“It was the warmest of welcomes – and the fondest of returns to a land and a people we love. Until the next time, au revoir, Canada, et avec tous nos remerciements [with all our thanks].”
Donald Trump’s message over Canada
The king’s speech and message comes amid a tough time between Canada and the US.
US President Donald Trump has slapped Canada with a string of trade tariffs since being re-elected. He has also called for Canada to become the US’s 51st state.
However, PM Carney firmly rebuffed the idea. He told Trump that “Canada is not for sale”.
Writing on his TruthSocial platform on Tuesday, Trump said: “I told Canada, which very much wants to be part of our fabulous Golden Dome System, that it will cost $61 Billion Dollars if they remain a separate, but unequal, Nation, but will cost ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State. They are considering the offer!” [Sic]
Read more: Reason Prince Harry left US for China as father King Charles arrives in Canada
What do you think of Charles’ speech in Canada? Let us know by leaving a comment on our Facebook page.
