The King makes a Speech from the Throne

I didn't think I'd be moved, but I was.

I’ve never considered myself a monarchist but my nana was a monarchist (and by extension a bad Scot, I imagine) and I’ll admit I thought of her while I was watching the Speech from the Throne on CPAC this morning.

I’ll also admit that there were some waterworks.

The words he spoke were unlikely his — though it’s highly plausible that his right hand person adjusted anything as was deemed necessary for His Majesty to retain his dignity over what he was asked to say — but they were moving.

Back in December, when Donald Trump took his “joke” too far, I noticed. By the early spring, so had a majority of Canadians (at least those who weren’t already in the tank for the CPC, that is) and the groundswell of patriotism was felt across the country.

It is with a sense of deep pride and pleasure that my wife and I join you here today, as we witness Canadians coming together in a renewed sense of national pride, unity, and hope.

I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg people. This land acknowledgement is a recognition of shared history as a nation. While continuing to deepen my own understanding, it is my great hope that in each of your communities, and collectively as a country, a path is found toward truth and reconciliation, in both word and deed.

I love my country, for all its faults, because what Canada has been to many, and remains, is a testament to building a global community within its own borders. It didn’t start out that way, to be sure, but over time it became a place where we worked to make it work.

When people wonder why First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people get angry about separatism, it’s because Treaty was not between their ancestors and the provincial or federal governments; Treaty is between those sovereign nations and the Crown itself.

This is my 20th visit to Canada, spread over the course of more than half a century, and my first as Sovereign. As I have said before, “Every time I come to Canada a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream – and from there straight to my heart.”

I have always had the greatest admiration for Canada’s unique identity, which is recognized across the world for bravery and sacrifice in defence of national values, and for the diversity and kindness of Canadians.

We didn’t get everything right, and we probably won’t in the future, but there is a willingness among most Canadians to try.

To try and make this country prosperous, welcoming, accessible, and inclusive. We have two official languages but make government communications available in many more. We pissed off “old stock Canadians” by trying to make the RCMP more inclusive for the people they serve. We pissed off many more by making exceptions for religious rights.

And we are a sovereign nation with ties to the Crown. We are a sovereign nation with ties to many countries, languages, cultures, and heritage. We are a country of neighbours.

Today, I see representatives from every part of Canada – from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, to Victoria, British Columbia, and Arviat, Nunavut. I see the guardians of the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed in the Canadian Charter and, as King, I thank you for your service to your fellow Canadians, across the length and breadth of this vast and great nation.

You speak for your communities, representing an incredible richness of cultures, languages, and perspectives. We owe it to this generation, and those who succeed us, to think and act for the greater good of all. While the world faces unprecedented challenges, generating uncertainties across the continents with regards to peace and stability, economics, and climate change, your communities have the skills and determination to bring a wealth of solutions.

Though some have argued there is no coherent or recognizable Canadian culture, I would argue that our culture was built from one and grows from many. Our culture is seeing Canadians whose ancestors began here and came from all over the world reflected in our governments, schools, workplaces, art, literature, music, and media.

There are countries that have little to none of that diversity and many of us would feel out of place in them because we are used to a place where different can still be the same and the same can still be different.

We come together in support, sadness, celebration, and joy.

We always do; together.

By fostering collaboration and engaging in respectful, constructive debates, you will ensure this Government is capable of bold and fair action to support Canadians.

It has been nearly 70 years since the Sovereign first opened Parliament. In the time since, Canada has dramatically changed: repatriating its Constitution, achieving full independence, and witnessing immense growth. Canada has embraced its British, French, and Indigenous roots, and become a bold, ambitious, innovative country that is bilingual, truly multicultural, and committed to reconciliation.

The Crown has for so long been a symbol of unity for Canada. It also represents stability and continuity from the past to the present. As it should, it stands proudly as a symbol of Canada today, in all her richness and dynamism.

I want this experiment to work. I want this country to remain strong, free, and evolving as a united nation of nations. At our best, we showcase how our differences make us better, and stronger, together. We learn and grow.

And while we may have our differences of opinion, we are like family. We can have our differences but they are not for exploitation by anyone else; we have our neighbour’s backs. We stick together.

Because we are Canadian.

Fundamental change is always unsettling. Yet this moment is also an incredible opportunity. An opportunity for renewal. An opportunity to think big and to act bigger. An opportunity for Canada to embark on the largest transformation of its economy since the Second World War. A confident Canada, which has welcomed new Canadians, including from some of the most tragic global conflict zones, can seize this opportunity by recognising that all Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away. And that by staying true to Canadian values, Canada can build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians.

We have been offered an opportunity to once again join together with our neighbours near and far with a commitment to keep building this nation for the future; for ourselves and our children, and their children, too.

It was never fear that brought us together, but the strength that comes from being together.

I love this country. I love being Canadian. And maybe, just maybe, I might be a bit of a monarchist after all.

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