Thread by @JPTasker

Good afternoon, all! I'll be live-tweeting this Speech from the Throne — to be delivered by Gov. Gen. Julie Payette in the Senate chamber (housed, temporarily, in Ottawa's former central train station). Stay tuned. #cdnpoli

We are expecting the government to address the immediate priority — the COVID-19 crisis, the economic devastation and the deteriorating health situation — while also outlining some of their other priorities for this fall session, namely the environment.

A small contingent of senators has gathered in the chamber. The government's representative, Sen. Marc Gold, is seated to Payette's left. Also there: Justice Wagner, the chief justice of the Supreme Court, Brenda Lucki, the RCMP commissioner and Gen Jonathan Vance, the CDS.

The Usher of the Black Rod, Greg Peters, the Queen's messenger in Parliament, is now headed to the Commons to summon MPs to the Senate for the speech.

The MPs will board a bus to travel from West Block to the Senate; the two temporary chambers where MPs and senators are working during the Centre Block renovations are about half a kilometre apart.

Parliamentary tradition says MPs are not allowed on the floor of the Senate, so they will remain behind the brass bar at the chamber's entrance. The bar is intended to signal that both houses of Parliament should remain independent.

The only MP allowed on the floor for the speech is the prime minister himself.

(Parliamentary convention dictates that the Queen and her viceregal are forbidden from entering the Commons — a practice that has been in place since 1642, when King Charles I stormed the Commons in London and tried to arrest the famous "Five Members" of Parliament.)

Nine MPs are now headed to the Senate to hear this speech. From the Conservatives @CandiceBergenMP and @gerarddeltell and from the NDP @theJagmeetSingh among others.

The Usher of the Black Rod is back in the Senate after collecting the MPs from the West Block. We're about to get underway here.

Payette starts with personal remarks. "Every day on our shared planet, millions face hardships that test the human spirit ... rarely though, has all of humanity faced a single common insidious enemy. An invisible enemy that respects no borders, thrives anywhere, hits anyone."

"To overcome a pandemic requires the work and resolve of every order of government, every community, and every one of us," Payette says.

"We don’t decide when hardship comes, but here in Canada, we have decided how we wanted to address it. We have adapted in remarkable ways."

"We trust science to lead the fight until a safe and effective vaccine becomes available. But until then, we must keep our guard up, using the tools that are available to us now – such as testing, treatments and physical distancing measures," Payette says.

"Like a reed in high winds, we might sway but we will not break. Because our roots are firmly in place, our goals clear, and because we have hope — the hope that lifts the soul on dark days and keeps us focused on the future," Payette says.

And now, the government-written portion begins: "Less than a year ago, we gathered here for a Throne Speech to open the 43rd Parliament. Since then, our realities have changed. And so must our approach."

"Over 9,000 Canadians have died in six months. For our neighbours in the United States, this figure is over 200,000. Globally, it’s nearly a million.

"But these aren’t just numbers. These are friends and family. Neighbours and colleagues."

"The last six months have laid bare fundamental gaps in our society, and in societies around the world. This pandemic has been hard for everyone. But for those who were already struggling, the burden has been even heavier."

Payette mentions Indigenous peoples, racialized Canadians, parents, young people and seniors as people who have been particularly hard hit by this pandemic.

"On all of these fronts – health and the economy, equality and the environment – we must take bold action. The government will meet these challenges.
The government’s approach will have four foundations," she says.

The four "foundations": (1) fight the pandemic and save lives; (2) support people and businesses through this crisis as long as it lasts, whatever it takes; (3) build back better to create a stronger, more resilient Canada; (4) stand up for who we are as Canadians.

"This is our generation’s crossroads.
Do we move Canada forward, or let people be left behind? Do we come out of this stronger, or paper over the cracks that the crisis has exposed?"

Payette is speaking now about the first foundation — the government’s approach is protecting Canadians from COVID-19.

"The federal government will be there to help the provinces increase their testing capacity. Canadians should not be waiting in line for hours to get a test."

"As soon as tests are approved for safe use in Canada, the government will do everything it can to see them deployed," she says. (Public health experts and some premiers have been pleading for such tests for weeks.)

"To prevent small clusters from becoming major outbreaks, communities may need to enact short-term closure orders. To make that decision easier ... the government will work to target additional financial support directly to businesses which have to temporarily shut down."

The speech touts the existing $19 billion "safe restart agreement" and the additional $2 billion for schools.

"The government will continue to support Canadians as they take action to keep each other safe."

The government makes a pitch to provinces who have so far ducked the COVID-19 alert app. "The government hopes all the others will sign on so that people in all parts of the country can both do their part and be better protected."

"This spring, the government issued a call, and thousands of Canadian businesses and manufacturers responded. From shop floors to companies big and small, Canada’s dynamic businesses met the challenge as their workers stepped up."

On vaccines: "Canada’s vaccine strategy is all about ensuring that Canadians will be able to get a vaccine once it is ready. There are many types of potential candidates. Canada is exploring the full range of options."

Now, the second foundation: Helping Canadians through the pandemic.

"The economic impact of COVID-19 on Canadians has already been worse than the 2008 financial crisis. These consequences will not be short-lived."

On austerity: "This is not the time for austerity. Canada entered this crisis in the best fiscal position of its peers. And the government is using that fiscal firepower."

"Canadians should not have to choose between health and their job, just like Canadians should not have to take on debt that their government can better shoulder."

**New: "The Government will launch a campaign to create over one million jobs, restoring employment to previous levels.

"One way the Government will create these jobs is by extending the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy right through to next summer."

The government is also promising to significantly scale up the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, "to provide more paid work experiences next year for young Canadians."

As the CERB winds down, the government reiterates "the EI system will become the sole delivery mechanism for employment benefits, including for Canadians who did not qualify for EI before the pandemic."

"Women – and in particular low-income women – have been hit hardest by COVID-19. This crisis has been described as a She-cession." (A term coined by @ArmineYalnizyan.)

"The government will create an Action Plan for Women in the Economy to help more women get back into the workforce and to ensure a feminist, intersectional response to this pandemic and recovery."

On child care: "We have long understood that Canada cannot succeed if half of the population is held back.

"The gov't will make a significant, long-term, sustained investment to create a Canada-wide early learning and childcare system."

"The government will build on previous investments, learn from the model that already exists in Quebec, and work with all provinces and territories to ensure that high-quality care is accessible to all."

Beyond the CEWS extension to summer 2021, the government announces: an expansion of the the Canada Emergency Business Account to help businesses with fixed costs; improvements to the Business Credit Availability Program.

Also "further support" for industries that have been hard hit, including travel and tourism, hospitality, and cultural industries like the performing arts.

On fiscal stability: "With interest rates so low, central banks can only do so much to help. There is a global consensus that governments must do more."

On generating tax revenue: "The gov't will also identify additional ways to tax extreme wealth inequality, including by concluding work to limit the stock option deduction for wealthy individuals at large, established corporations & addressing corporate tax avoidance."

On "web giants": "Things must change, and will change. The gov't will act to ensure their revenue is shared more fairly with our creators and media, and will also require them to contribute to the creation, production & distribution of our stories."

The third foundation now "building back better."

"The government will create a resiliency agenda for the middle class and people working hard to join it.
This will include addressing the gaps in our social systems."

"Central to this is recognizing that one of the greatest tragedies of this pandemic is the lives lost in long- term care homes. Elders deserve to be safe, respected, and live in dignity."

The government is promising Criminal Code amendments to penalize those who neglect seniors.

"The Government remains committed to increasing Old Age Security once a senior turns 75, and boosting the Canada Pension Plan survivor’s benefit."

On new benefits for the disabled: "A new Canadian Disability Benefit modelled after the Guaranteed Income Supplement for seniors."

On family doctors: "The Government will ensure that everyone – including in rural and remote areas – has access to a family doctor or primary care team."

"The government will also continue to address the opioid epidemic tearing through communities, which is an ongoing and worsening public health crisis. Additionally, the Government will further increase access to mental health resources."

On pharmacare - the government says it is still "committed to a national, universal pharmacare program."

They will work "with provinces and territories willing to move forward without delay."

On firearms, the government again promises to give municipalities the ability to further restrict or ban handguns.

And on extending broadband, "the government will accelerate the connectivity timelines and ambitions of the Universal Broadband Fund to ensure that all Canadians, no matter where they live, have access to high-speed internet."

A new one — the government is promising to support regional airline routes.

"To further link our communities together, the gov't will work with partners to support regional routes. It is essential that Canadians have access to reliable and affordable regional air services."

On housing, the government is promising to make "substantial investments"

"For the middle class, the government will also move forward with enhancements to the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive, including in Canada’s largest cities, so families can afford to buy their first home."

One of the few ag-related lines in this speech: "The government will also ensure that those in Canada’s supply managed sectors receive full and fair compensation for recent trade agreements."

To deal with job loss, the government is promising the "largest investment in Canadian history in training for workers."

On government bureaucracy, "the government will make generational investments in updating outdated IT systems to modernize the way that Government serves Canadians." (The EI system comes to mind.)

They're also promising "free, automatic tax filing for simple returns to ensure citizens receive the benefits they need."

On the environment, they're promising "a plan to exceed Canada’s 2030 climate goal ... legislate Canada’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050."

On that: retrofitting homes and buildings, deliver more transit and active transit options, make zero-emissions vehicles more affordable

"The government will launch a new fund to attract investments in making zero-emissions products and cut the corporate tax rate in half for these companies to create jobs and make Canada a world leader in clean technology."

The only line, I believe, with respect to the oil & gas sector: "Canada cannot reach net zero without the know-how of the energy sector & the innovative ideas of all Canadians, including people in places like British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador."

The government is promising "support" for the manufacturing, natural resource, and energy sectors "as they work to transform to meet a net zero future."

A new government agency will be created: the Canada Water Agency, "to keep our water safe, clean, and well-managed."

The fourth foundation: defending Canadian values and ensuring they are lived experiences for everyone.

"Canada must continue to stand up for the values that define this country, whether that’s welcoming newcomers, celebrating with pride the contributions of LGBTQ2 communities, or embracing two official languages."

On reconciliation, the government is promising: "distinctions-based Indigenous health legislation with First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis Nation."

And, "accelerating work on the National Action Plan in response" to MMIWG inquiry.

The government is also promising UNDRIP legislation by the end of the year.

For minorities, the government is promising action on "online hate," going further on economic empowerment for specific communities, and increasing diversity on procurement.

Also, "new steps to support the artistic and economic contributions of Black Canadian culture and heritage."

On systemic racism, the government will "introduce legislation and make investments that take action to address the systemic inequities in all phases of the criminal justice system, from diversion to sentencing, from rehabilitation to records."

On policing, "Modernize training for police and law enforcement, including addressing standards around the use of force" and "move forward on RCMP reforms, with a shift toward community-led policing."

Also a promise to further protect the place of French in Canada: "In this vein, 51 years after the passage of the Official Languages Act, the Government is committed to strengthening this legislation among other things, taking into consideration the unique reality of French."

A relatively brief passage on foreign affairs, "It remains in Canada’s interest to create and maintain bilateral and multilateral relationships to advance peace and economic prosperity."

Without mentioning China, the government promises "to continue to stand up for human rights and the rule of law. It is unacceptable that any citizen be arbitrarily detained. Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor must be brought home."

"Taken together, this is an ambitious plan for an unprecedented reality. The course of events will determine what needs to be done when.

"But throughout, protecting and supporting Canadians will stay the top priority."

"Parliamentarians, Canadians have placed a trust in you to guide this country forward. They have placed their faith in you to work together to meet whatever challenges we face."

And a traditional end, "Members of the Senate and Members of the House of Commons, may you be equal to the profound trust bestowed on you by Canadians, and may Divine Providence guide you in all your duties."

Phewf — a 54-minute speech that outlines the ambition of this government: a total rejection of any sort of austerity, extension of CEWS to 2021, a renewed EI program, job training, a massive investment in some sort of national childcare program & an aggressive green plan.

What's not in this speech: a promise to boost the Canada Health Transfer to the provinces (a big ask from premiers last week), much of anything for the oil and gas sector, details on how they'll pay for any of this. Also, no talk of China or the U.S.

"The Conservatives cannot support it. It is another speech that is full of Liberal buzzwords," Conservative deputy leader @CandiceBergen says of the throne speech. "We are very, very displeased."

Bergen says Canada "doesn't have a real plan to deal with pandemic."

She cites no mention of Western alienation, agriculture, oil & gas and prospect of more taxes as the reasons why Tories won't support the speech.

"My goal is not to threaten an election, it's to help people," NDP Leader @theJagmeetSingh says. "We're going to take a lot of time to consider the throne speech and make sure we evaluate it and make a decision around whether we're supporting or not."

Singh says he's concerned Liberal changes that do away with the Canadian emergency relief benefit (CERB) in favour of a revamped Employment Insurance (EI) system will hurt workers who have been forced to stay home because of the pandemic.

New from me — Trudeau to address the nation as Conservatives reject throne speech. cbc.ca/news/politics/… #cdnpoli

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be up shortly for his address to the nation. I'll do my best to live-tweet his comments.

"I want to speak directly to you today because Canada is at a crossroads," Trudeau says, calling the fight against COVID-19 "the fight of a generation."

"In our four biggest provinces, the second wave isn’t just starting, it’s already underway.

"We’re on the brink of a fall that could be much worse than the spring," Trudeau says.

"But what we can change is where we are in October, and into the winter. It’s all too likely we won’t be gathering for Thanksgiving, but we still have a shot at Christmas.

"Together, we have the power to get this second wave under control," Trudeau says.

"In the spring, we all did our part by staying home. And this fall, we have even more tools in the toolbox.

"People are wearing masks. That’s critical – so keep it up. We’ve got the COVID Alert app," Trudeau says.

Trudeau, echoing Dr. Tam, says Canadians should limit their social interactions. "It's no time for parties," he says.

"This is the time for all of us to do our part for our country, as government does its part for you.

"There is a covenant between government and the people government serves. You need to know that you can rely on us, just like you can rely on each other," Trudeau says.

Trudeau says the long-term care situation has been unacceptable - and it will change. "We will be working right away with the provinces and territories to set new standards on long-term care," he says.

"Job one is keeping people safe.

"That’s why we’re signing deals on vaccines, on therapeutics, on personal protective equipment. In fact, because we mobilized this spring, Canadians are now producing almost every type of PPE we need," he says.

"As soon as there’s approval for faster tests to be used safely, we’ll get them out across the country. If you need a test, you should be able to get one, and get it quickly. This is about safety, and it’s about what’s right for Canadians," Trudeau says.

"The federal government will have your back, whatever it takes, to help you get through this crisis," Trudeau says.

"I know some people are asking how we can afford to do all this for Canadians. That’s fair. Doing less would end up costing far more."

.@erinotoole is up now, from isolation. "The situation facing my family shows we must remain extremely vigilant in our battle against the spread of COVID-19. We must also be very vigilant for the future of our country," he says.

NEW — Trudeau says Canada is at a 'crossroads,' warns pandemic will be worse this fall. cbc.ca/news/politics/… #cdnpoli

Canada entered an ordered shutdown of economic and social life in mid-March, when there were only a few dozen new cases reported each day. Now, with 1,000 new cases nationwide yesterday, Trudeau said there can be no doubt that Alberta, B.C., Ont. and Que. are in the second wave.

Trudeau says Canadians won't be able to gather for Thanksgiving, "but we still have a shot at Christmas."

Trudeau said Canadians must wear masks where possible, limit social interactions — "It's no time for a party" — and download the COVID-19 alert app.

.@erinotoole, who responded to Trudeau from isolation after testing positive for the virus, said the Tories have lost faith in the government's response to this pandemic.

He urged Trudeau to push Health Canada regulators to approve rapid testing devices.

.@theJagmeetSingh said he's troubled by the Liberals' pitch to do away with the Canadian emergency relief benefit (CERB) in favour of a revamped Employment Insurance (EI) system, warning it could hurt workers who have been forced to stay home because of the pandemic.

Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet — who already signalled in the summer that the party would vote to bring down the Liberal gov't — used his three-minute response to Trudeau to demand that Ottawa flow more funds to provinces to offset the rising cost of health care.