Tuesday September 22, 2020 | NATIONAL
by Mary P Brooke, editor | Island Social Trends
After Governor General Julie Payette delivers the Liberal government’s Throne Speech tomorrow (September 23), Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will address Canadians directly on national TV.
The Throne Speech is set to commence in the House of Commons in Ottawa just after 11 am Pacific Time. Then Trudeau will speak in his own words at 3:30 pm Pacific.
Content of both speeches expected to include the forward-handling of COVID, keeping individuals and businesses afloat during the rough ride, and fostering economic recovery.
Progressive pressure:
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has been pressuring for maintaining the equivalent of CERB, in a process that is accessible and equitable for all Canadians who need it (the Liberals have said this will be done through a revised EI program and a parallel recovery program for those who aren’t eligible for EI).
The NDP has also asked for an indication that the Liberals will provide or support paid sick leave.
While the content of a Throne Speech is written by the current government, the Governor General is allowed to insert her own remarks. Last time she added 11 paragraphs (statements), without the government’s knowledge.
Where to catch the action:
- The Speech from the Throne will be broadcast live on television and online at: https://senparlvu.parl.gc.ca/Harmony/en/PowerBrowser/PowerBrowserV2/20200922/-1/9702
- A livestream of the Speech from the Throne will be shared on social media on the following channels:
- Twitter (@CanadianPM / @PMcanadien)
- Facebook (Your Government at Work / Votre gouvernement à l’œuvre)
- YouTube (Prime Minister of Canada / Premier ministre du Canada)
Trudeau will deliver his address from his own office in the West Block, at 3:30 pm Pacific, to be broadcast live on CTV, CBC, Global, Rogers TV, LCN, and CPAC.
Usually the room is packed to hear a Throne Speech, but with COVID-19 physical distancing requirements, there will likely be fewer persons in the room to hear Payette in person.