The Speech from the Throne is a framework for the road our new Parliament will travel, and the government’s priorities are a combination of old and new initiatives.

The speech was read by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada on November 19. Not surprisingly, the speech frequently refers to Canada’s role in addressing global economic uncertainties. It also ensures that the government’s existing plans in other areas do not end up on the back burner.

The government intends to play an active role in reforming the global financial system by working with Canada’s allies and trading partners. We intend to avoid ongoing unsustainable structural deficits, even as we pinpoint where we should invest responsibly.

Canadians want secure jobs and we will encourage skilled trades and apprenticeships. Workers in transition will need support and we will help to sustain industries at risk. The government also plans to expand investment and trade by modernizing development, competition and copyright laws as we work to pursue trade agreements with Europe, Asia and the Americas.

Canadian business will be more effective when the government reduces red tape, fixes procurement, improves program and service delivery, and enhances the management of federal agencies, boards, commissions and Crown corporations.

Have we lost sight of our previous action plans? Absolutely not. We fully intend to secure our energy future with cleaner fuels, including developing further our natural gas supplies in Canada’s North and exploring new nuclear projects.

We will continue to tackle climate change and preserve our environment. The government will improve Universal Child Care Benefits, increase access to maternity and parental benefits under Employment Insurance, and assist those with disabilities.

The speech pledges that Canada will contribute to global security and rebuild the Canadian Armed Forces with the best equipment. We will also transform the mission in Afghanistan to focus more on reconstruction and development.

The federal government intends to move the House of Commons toward representation by population in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. We will introduce fixed terms for senators, allow senate nominees to be elected by voters, and enshrine the government’s respect for provincial and territorial jurisdiction in a Charter of Open Federalism.

The Speech from the Throne provides a general picture of how the government intends to proceed during its upcoming mandate. The minister of finance will soon deliver an economic statement that furnishes greater detail on how we will conduct ourselves on behalf of all Canadians.

The future is going to be anything but boring, and I can assure you that this government is up to the challenge.

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The audio version of Garry's November 24, 2008 op-ed column can be heard by clicking here