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Feds outline foundation for the future in latest throne speech

Fighting COVID-19, job creation, support for green tech and upholding Canadian values all highlighted in Wednesday's speech from the throne
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Governor General Julie Payette delivers the speech from the throne.

The Liberal government laid out the details of its plan to support Canadians in the face of COVID-19 during a new speech from the throne, delivered on Sept. 23.

Governor General Julie Payette delivered the speech on Wednesday, explaining that the realities of everyday life have changed and so too must the Liberal government's approach in order to close the fundamental gaps that exist in society.

Payette outlined the four foundations that will steer the federal government's priorities.

The foundations are:

  • Fight the pandemic and save lives
  • Support people and businesses
  • Build back better and strengthen the middle class
  • Stand up for who we are as Canadians - defend Canadian values

Speaking about fighting the pandemic, Payette said that the federal government needs to do more in order to fight the recent surge in COVID-19 cases. The Liberals have vowed to support provinces to increase their testing capacities and reduce wait times for tests.

A federal testing assistance response team will be created to meet surging testing needs, including providing tests in remote and isolated communities. The federal government also vowed that all Canadians will have access to a COVID-19 vaccine when one becomes available.

When it comes to supporting people and businesses, the government announced that the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) will expire at the end of the month and Canadians will have to look to the enhanced Employment Insurance (EI) program for financial support. 

The Liberals have promised additional financial support to businesses that will have to temporarily shut down as a result of a local public health decision.

The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy will be extended through next summer in order to help businesses overcome the financial strains created by the pandemic. The government also again promised a transitional Canada Recovery Benefit for those who won’t qualify for benefits under the new expanded employment-insurance system that is to replace Canada Emergency Response Benefit by the end of this month.

Additionally, the federal government has vowed to fund early learning programs and a national pharmacare program. 

In terms of building back better, the Canadian government will launch a campaign to create more than one million jobs and restore employment to previous levels. A strong focus will be put on clean tech and green projects, continuing the commitment to climate action. The government will legislate Canada's goal of net zero emissions by 2050.

The feds vowed that thousands of jobs will be created in order to retrofit homes and buildings with green technology, cutting energy costs for Canadian families and businesses. The government will invest in more charging stations for electric vehicles.

The government will launch a fund to attract investments in making zero emission products and cut the corporate tax rate in half for companies that create clean tech, allowing for more job creation in the sector in an effort to make Canada a world leader in clean technology.

On the matter of defending Canadian values, the Liberals say a fight against racism will be informed by the experiences of racialized communities and Indigenous Peoples.

Addressing hate speech online, providing more economic support for specific communities and increasing diversity in public procurement are all on the Liberals' agenda.
 
As Black Canadians and Indigenous people are overrepresented in the criminal justice system, the government promised to take steps to ensure that criminal justice is used to keep people safe, and not to be discriminatory or counterproductive.


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