9:45 a.m.King Charles and Queen Camilla exit the Red Chamber and the king makes his way along the receiving line outside, shaking hands and exchanging words with the officials and staffers waiting outside. They will then retreat to a smaller chamber within the Senate with Carney, Gov. Gen. Mary Simon and other officials. After a closed-door meeting, the prime minister and the king and queen will pay respects to Canada’s fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial. They will mark the 25th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with a wreath-laying ceremony..9:38 a.m."As the anthem reminds us, the True north is indeed strong and free," concluded Charles, as he thanked the Senate for inviting him to deliver the Throne Speech. .9:35 a.m.King Charles, speaking on behalf of the Canadian government, said the "government will protect the sovereignty of Canada by rearming and reinvesting in the Canadian Armed Forces ... and the expansion of the Canadian defense industry." The king promised strengthened security at the border, and a continued crackdown on firearms laws. He also emphasized a commitment to further indigenous reconciliation, return Canada's immigration system to the exemplary model it was 10 years ago and Canada's sovereignty amid suggestions from President Donald Trump the country become the 51st state. .9:25 a.m.King Charles addresses the issue of energy production, repeating recent promises made by Energy Minister Tim Hodgson, who said projects would be accelerated significantly. He confirmed the government's intention to fast-track energy project approvals within two years.However, like Carney and his Liberals, he did not specify what kind of energy projects.The government's initiatives "will make it possible for a new era of growth (and help Canada's ability) to overcome the challenge of trade wars stronger than ever," he said."That will allow it to become a superpower when it comes to green energy."He outlines the government's plans to "build an industrial strategy that will make Canada more competitive on the international stage, while at the same time fighting climate change."The projects will "thus make Canada a Science and Innovation Hub," he added..9:21 a.m.The king then repeats multiple points from the Liberal election platform, which Carney hopes to turn into a reality with the upcoming parliamentary seating. Among them are the promise to build new "modular" homes and obliterate interprovincial trade barriers by Canada Day, July 1. .9:15 a.m.King Charles goes on to triumph the "rights and freedoms" upheld in Canada through the Charter, Canada's long military history and "commitment to reconciliation."The king then alluded to the ongoing trade war with the United States."Today, Canada faces (a) critical moment: democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination and freedom are values which Canadians hope and ones which the government is determined to protect.""The system of open global trade that has helped to deliver prosperity for Canadians for decades is changing. Canada's relationships with partners are also changing.""We must confront the reality that since the Second World War, there has never been (a time) as dangerous and unstable. Canada is now facing challenges which are unprecedented in my lifetime. Canadians are feeling anxious. Are worried about the drastic change, the changing world around them.".9:08 a.m.The king opens his Throne Speech with a land acknowledgment. "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," added Charles. "I've 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 the native First Nations and Métis peoples.".9:02 a.m.Carney stands speaking with King Charles as he sits on the throne for several minutes. The Usher of the Black Rod is beginning the procession. The Usher of the Black Rod is the most senior protocol officer in the Senate of Canada, responsible for maintaining order in the Senate and carrying out ceremonial duties..8:50 a.m.Margaret Trudeau, mother of the former PM, greets the king with a hug and kiss, which is considered breach of royal protocol. "There's the former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who knows, of course, the king well," remarked the CBC's Rosemary Barton during the state broadcaster's live coverage. "Oh, there you see a big embrace from Margaret Trudeau."Barton remarked, aside from a brief appearance during the election campaign, this is the first public sighting of Justin Trudeau."I just see him there making small talk with Stephen Harper. It's pretty remarkable.".8:45 a.m.The king and queen look on as 18-year-old Morgan Grace, a fiddle player from Manitoba, performs.Prime Minister Mark Carney is standing by, and former Prime Ministers Stephen Harper, Justin Trudeau and Kim Campbell are in attendance.Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is also there, along with deputy leader Melissa Lantsman..8:30 a.m.Good morning! King Charles and Queen Camilla are in Ottawa this morning, with the king set to deliver the Throne Speech in the Canadian Senate.The Western Standard is documenting the royal event unfolding on Parliament Hill. Stay tuned for our regular updates throughout the morning.
