Governor General delivers throne speech

Governor General David Johnston delivered the throne speech in the House of Commons on Friday afternoon, setting the legislative agenda for the Conservatives’ first session with their new majority government. There were no surprises within the speech itself, but CBC reported that a parliamentary page was escorted from the chamber for wielding a sign that read “Stop Harper.” The speech stuck to the promises outlined by Prime Minister Stephen Harper during this year’s federal election campaign. The Conservatives’ anti-crime agenda was brought up in the speech, promising the government will introduce legislation to impose tougher penalties on those who abuse seniors, and to clamp down on human smuggling. The throne speech also promised there will be a parliamentary debate on the future of Canada’s participation in NATO’s Libya mission. Economic promises included improvements to Canada’s digital infrastructure, and free trade agreements with the European Union and India. Tax credits for at-home caregivers and families with children enrolled in art classes were also put on the agenda. The upcoming session of Parliament starts next Monday.

CBC News