Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s mandate letter to the Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould also includes a provision suggesting that the justice minister should work “with the Ministers of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and Health, create a federal-provincial-territorial process that will lead to the legalization and regulation of marijuana”.
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With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau looking on, Governor General David Johnston delivered the relatively brief speech in the red Senate chamber, setting out the broad direction and goals for this session of Parliament.
Indeed, the Liberals’ frequent reference to the need to forge a fresh relationship with the country’s First Nation, Inuit and Metis peoples means expectations are already running high.
The speech expanded on other well-worn themes that were central to the Liberals’ victory in the October 19 election, but provided few signals as to when it wanted to achieve its objectives.
Ms. Ambrose also argued the government made it clear-while placing a promised middle-class tax cut on the first of five substantive pages in the speech-tax hikes in other areas will be unavoidable.
It also promises significant new investment in infrastructure to boost the stagnant economy.
The government will work jointly to implement all 94 recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which explored the dark legacy of Canada’s now-defunct residential school system.
Legalize and control distribution of marijuana.
“Because it is both the right thing to do and a certain path to economic growth, the Government will undertake to renew, nation-to-nation, the relationship between Canada and Indigenous peoples, one based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership”, the speech read.
The government promised to introduce a new environmental assessment process and invest in clean technology to grow the economy and protect the environment.
The Opposition Conservatives, however, are focusing on another election promise. “Canadians elected a government to bring us together, not to set us against one another”.
The speech did not specifically address Trudeau’s promise to repeal controversial provisions in the anti-terrorism legislation passed by the previous Conservative government.
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The Liberals also campaigned on a plan to cancel income-splitting and roll back contribution limits to tax-free savings accounts, but they were not mentioned in the speech. “We will deliver what Canadians have asked for, open up new horizons for our country, and show the world that diversity, creativity, and compassion are vital to a peaceful and prosperous future”, said Mr. Trudeau.
