This week opened with a historic and symbolic moment in Canadian politics: the return of Parliament, the swearing-in of new leaders, and a rare Speech from the Throne delivered by King Charles III himself.
May 27 Throne Speech and Mixed Reactions Across Sectors
In a symbolic moment underscoring Canada’s independence, His Majesty King Charles III declared the country “strong and free” while delivering the 2025 Speech from the Throne.
Time described the rare speech as the result of Mark Carney’s “prime ministerial ventriloquism” to send a clear message to the United States amid President Donald Trump’s annexation threats and remarks on the “51st state”. The speech, normally delivered by the governor general, served as a reminder of Canada’s independence and Britain’s support. King Charles III concluded the speech with gratitude and appreciation for Canada, saying “The True North is indeed strong and free.”
The Canadian Press monitored several political responses to King Charles III’s speech, with Prime Minister Mark Carney lauding “a strong message of a confident Canada.” Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre thanked the monarchy for upholding Canada’s parliamentary traditions, while New Democratic Party Interim Leader Don Davies noted the resemblance to a “Conservative throne speech.” NDP House Leader Alexandre Boulerice also criticized the absence of measures addressing the climate and environmental crisis.
Leaders from innovation, business, labour, municipalities, First Nations, and civil society sectors offered mixed reactions. The Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI) urged the federal government to prioritize productivity, innovation, and economic sovereignty. CCI President Benjamin Bergen emphasized the need for bold action and concrete strategies to support high-growth companies and position Canada as a global leader in innovation. However, Canadian Labour Congress President Bea Bruske, criticized the Throne Speech for failing to invest in public health care and other vital supports as workers face rising costs and economic instability. Grand Chief Kyra Wilson of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs then criticized the exclusion of First Nations, calling it a symbolic reminder of how Treaty Nations remain sidelined from the Crown–First Nations relationship.
Meanwhile, a new Angus Reid Institute poll found that 83% of Canadians were indifferent to King Charles III’s throne speech, with only 19% recognizing him as King of Canada. While 37% saw the speech as a positive moment, support for the monarchy continues to decline, with 40% opposing the status quo and only 29% viewing the King favourably.
Francis Scarpaleggia Elected Speaker as Parliament Resumes
As Parliament reopened, Liberal MP Francis Scarpaleggia was elected Speaker of the House of Commons.
In his first remarks, Scarpaleggia asked MPs for “a little grace period” to adjust to the impartial demands of the role while promising to uphold decorum and enable vigorous debate. He also pledged to defend democratic tradition and ensure order in the chamber.
The Senate convened to open the First Session of the 45th Parliament, with Chief Justice Richard Wagner, acting as Deputy of the Governor General, presiding over the formalities. New senators including Allister Surette, Baltej Singh Dhillon, and Martine Hébert were officially introduced and sworn in.
U.S. Senators Visit Ottawa to Discuss Trade, Security, and Cooperation
A bipartisan group of U.S. Senators—Jeanne Shaheen, Kevin Cramer, Amy Klobuchar, Tim Kaine, and Peter Welch—visited Ottawa to meet with Carney and senior cabinet ministers, including Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly. Talks focused on trade, security, cross-border cooperation, tariffs, and even women’s hockey.
The senators, largely critical of Trump-era policies, praised Carney’s pledge to meet NATO’s 2% GDP target by 2030 and his recent $6-billion Arctic radar purchase from Australia as signs of Canada’s renewed defence leadership. Cramer and Kaine also pushed back on Trump’s trade-linked fentanyl claims and praised the Senate’s resolution to revoke emergency tariffs.
In parallel international efforts, Carney also held talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on May 23, where both leaders pledged closer defence and Arctic cooperation, and reaffirmed their joint support for Ukraine.
Drug Price Disparities and Tariffs Raise Red Flags for Healthcare Access
New research and commentary raised alarms over rising healthcare costs tied to pharmaceutical pricing and international trade barriers. A cross-sectional study found that U.S. originator HBV and HCV drug prices are 4.71 and 1.83 times higher than in other high-income countries, while U.S. generic HBV drugs are about 45% cheaper, highlighting the potential benefits of international reference pricing. While another study concluded that trade tariffs significantly impact pharmaceutical procurement and pricing by raising costs and introducing uncertainty, prompting companies to adapt to strategies like local manufacturing and supplier diversification to maintain access and affordability amid shifting global trade dynamics.
Doctors Without Borders Calls for Humanitarian Action in G7 Summit
Doctors Without Borders urged the federal government to use its presidency of the
upcoming G7 summit in Kananaskis to advocate for action on humanitarian issues and emphasize the importance of upholding International Humanitarian Law. The urgency of such commitments is heightened by ongoing global conflict and humanitarian emergencies exacerbated by reduced aid and deliberate obstructions by warring parties.
The group cited crises in Gaza, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, calling for renewed global adherence to International Humanitarian Law and greater aid coordination.
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