King Charles III delivered the Throne Speech on Tuesday, outlining the governing agenda of the Canadian government under Prime Minister Mark Carney (Mark Carney).

From asserting sovereignty with the declaration of "the strength of the North, freedom unchanging," to announcing that Canada will join the "ReArm Europe" defense initiative, the King also provided a comprehensive overview of the economic planning under the Carney administration.

Interestingly, just a few hours after the conclusion of the Throne Speech, U.S. President Donald Trump once again made a "51st state" remark, challenging Canada's sovereignty.

According to local English media CP24, Trump posted on his social platform "Truth Social" on Tuesday afternoon: "I told Canada they very much want to join our outstanding 'Golden Dome' system, but if they remain an independent but unequal nation, it will cost $61 billion; if they become our cherished 51st state, they won't have to spend a penny."

Source: AP Photo/Alex Brandon

Trump did not directly respond to the King's speech, but the timing and content of his post clearly challenged King Charles' statement on Canadian sovereignty.

This remark immediately drew widespread attention from the Canadian side. The Office of the Prime Minister subsequently issued a statement in response: "Prime Minister Carney has consistently made it clear, including in conversations with President Trump, that Canada is an independent, sovereign nation and will always be so."

It was reported that last week, Trump first disclosed the concept of the "Golden Dome" defense system at a press conference, stating that the system would cost $175 billion and possess the capability to intercept missiles launched globally or from space.

"Canada has contacted us and they want to join," Trump said at the time. "We are negotiating with them about the price."

Although Trump has mentioned the high cost of the Golden Dome system, Canada has neither directly refused nor made any positive and affirmative response. Prime Minister Carney stated: "We are aware that if we wish, we have the ability to participate in the construction of the 'Golden Dome' system through investment and cooperation. This is an issue under consideration and has been discussed at higher levels."

Carney added that this decision needs to be based on a military strategic assessment rather than solely relying on negotiation outcomes.

Finally, here are the five key highlights of the Throne Speech:

1. Housing and Affordability

The King stated that the federal government of Canada will cut taxes for the middle class and exempt the goods and services tax (GST) on homes purchased by first-time buyers valued at less than 1 million CAD, reiterating Prime Minister Carney's campaign promise. Homes priced between 1 million and 1.5 million CAD will also enjoy GST reductions.

The King also announced that the federal government will double the pace of housing construction and establish a new agency called the "Build Canada Homes" as a developer of affordable housing.

He said that the agency will invest in the prefabricated and modular housing industry and provide substantial financing support to developers of affordable housing.

In addition, the government will halve the development fees for multi-unit residential projects.

The King said: "The government will promote growth in housing supply to reduce housing costs."

2. Upper Limit on Immigration Numbers

The King announced that the federal government will control the total number of temporary foreign workers and international students to within 5% of the Canadian population by 2027.

"Through this measure, the government will attract the world's best talent to build Canada's economy while sending a clear message to Canadians working abroad—now is the best time to return home."

He pointed out that "Canada's immigration system has long been a source of national pride and vitality for the economy. The government is committed to restoring balance and rebuilding public trust in the immigration system."

3. Economy and Domestic Trade

Facing economic threats from increasingly protectionist America, the federal government will strive to break down provincial trade barriers within Canada to offset losses caused by new tariffs imposed by U.S. President Trump.

The King said that the government's goal is to make Canada the strongest G7 economy.

"This begins by unifying 13 economies into one Canadian economy. Provincial trade and labor mobility barriers cost Canada up to $200 billion annually."

He announced that the federal government will propose legislation before National Day to remove all federal-level provincial trade and labor mobility barriers.

The King also mentioned that although some provinces have already abolished certain barriers, the federal government will establish a "Major Federal Projects Office" to compress the approval time for large projects to six months.

"This will make Canada a global leader in energy superpowers—whether clean or traditional energy."

The King stated that Prime Minister Carney and Trump have begun "redefining the economic and security relationship between Canada and the United States," and Canada will also "strengthen relations with reliable trading partners and allies around the world."

4. Combating Crime

The King stated that the Canada Border Services Agency will gain new powers to inspect export goods to prevent illegal and stolen items from being exported.

He added that the government will "refocus on combating car theft and burglary," by amending the Criminal Code to increase bail thresholds for repeat offenders of such crimes, as well as serious crimes like human trafficking and drug smuggling.

The government will also add 1,000 Royal Canadian Mounted Police personnel.

5. Streamlining Government Spending

The King said: "In all actions, the government will adhere to new fiscal discipline: the less the government spends, the more the people can invest."

He said that the annual growth rate of the federal government's daily operational budget will be reduced from the current 9% to 2%.

"The government will achieve operational budget balance over the next three years through measures such as cutting waste, freezing civil servant staffing, eliminating duplicate expenditures, and improving public sector productivity through technology."

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