Canada’s Justin Trudeau to outline government’s priorities as new parliament sits
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will make the case for a new government in today’s throne speech.
Trudeau narrowly defeated his Conservative opponent Andrew Scheer in October’s federal elections, but his Liberal Party lost its parliamentary majority. His throne speech will be debated for up to six days before being voted on, serving as a vote of confidence for the minority government.
Today’s address will signal the priorities of Trudeau’s new government. The October elections fragmented Canada’s politics, and the Liberals will have to gain outside support to achieve their legislative goals, including the implementation of a universal pharmacare program, raising taxes on the wealthy and increasing environmental regulations.
Expect the throne speech to be conciliatory in nature, covering broadly popular issues like climate change. Trudeau is likely to gain the support of the leftwing New Democratic Party or the Green Party, but contentious issues like the Trans Mountain Pipeline risk fracturing the coalition government down the line.
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