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Chief Justice Laskin
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Jul 1 2009, 07:36 AM
Post #1
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Chief Justice
- Posts:
- 7
- Group:
- Members
- Member
- #66
- Joined:
- July 1, 2009
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Having made his way to the Senate, the Chief Justice sat on the throne. The Speaker of the Senate then dispatched the Gentleman Usher of the Black Road to fetch the Commons.
The Usher of the Black Rod made his way across the building to the Other Place, where upon approaching the doors to the House of Commons, the door slammed on his face. He raised his rod and tapped three times on the portal. They opened slightly and asked him for his business, he replied that he was sent by the administrator to speak with the Commons. They let him in, but he could only enter to the limit of the bar.
"Honourable Members, the Commons of Canada, His Lordship the Chief Justice commands your presence in the Senate for the Administrator's Most Gracious Speech from the Throne."
He gives a short bow then leaves back to the Senate. The Sergeant-at-Arms of the Commons takes the Royal Mace and exits, followed by a horde of Commons representatives with him, all heading to the Senate.
Once there, the the Administrator takes his seat next to Prime Minister Peter Gordon near the black curtains at the rear of the Senate chambers. Both of them are surrounded by a uniformed military guard; in front of them lay the Chief Justice's colleagues, the judges of the Supreme Court in full red and white court frocks. The Deputy Governor General had a brief coughing fit, took a sip from the glass of water next to him and began to read from the Speech:
- Quote:
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Honourable Senators, Members of the House of Commons, Justices of the Supreme Court of Canada,
Today I would like to outline the priority agenda of my government. My government has plans for all areas of policy, some of which will be accomplished in this session, others over several sessions. The hallmarks of my government's agenda are competent economic management and progress in the areas of human rights and civil liberties. My government has identified the issues of inflation and unemployment jointly as it's highest priority. My government will take swift and decisive action to reduce inflation by 8% to 10% over the coming 4 years, and in the same period my government will halve unemployment.
In order to accomplish this goal my government will enact a series of policies including:
A commitment to keep the annual budget deficit below 3% of GDP in each year, with a goal of a balanced budget by 1985.
Targeted investment in areas of rapid growth and high potential, pursuing a strong and vibrant strategy to enable Canadian industry and innovation.
An efficiency strategy for public operations which will ensure that government spending delivers the greatest value for money to the public.
A tax policy which remains competitive with similar industrialised nations, reduces the burden on Canada's poorest and maintains sufficient revenues to provide services without increasing the debt burden.
By pursuing these major goals, and several lesser goals over the course of the coming session and in the future my government intends to restore confidence and strength in the Canadian economy. My government will present it's first budget by (ooc date July 10) which will contain specific economic details not only for this year, but will outline my government's economic plan for the remainder of this parliament.
While the economy, specifically inflation and unemployment, remains my government's highest priority my government has several key commitments in other areas. My government will take a pro-active role in the ongoing discussions of Canada's constitution, specifically focusing on patriation of our ability to amend and maintain our own constitution while continuing to respect our strong historic ties to Great Britain through the maintenance of our role in the commonwealth. To this end my government will enact several policies. My government will:
Institute annual conferences of First Ministers including the Prime Minister, all Provincial Premiers and Territorial Leaders to support the open dialogue on the issue of the constitution and other vital issues, particularly our cooperation on the issue of healthcare.
Exercise it's commitment to parliamentary cooperation by establishing a precedent of including party leaders from every party represented in the House of Commons in the Privy Council, as it has already done, in order to facilitate cooperation.
Include in any constitutional change a clear commitment to human rights by including an updated bill of rights in our constitution.
Initiate a Canada-wide discussion on our system of democracy through the formation of a Royal Commission on elections and government.
Modernise the approach to federal-provincial, government-opposition and parliament-public relations by adopting an attitude of cooperative consensus building as opposed to the combative brinksmanship demonstrated at various times in the past – this will be clearly demonstrated by the permitting of more free votes, open scheduling of opposition days and the institution of a program by which citizens themselves may participate the accountability of the government by submitting written questions to be answered in Question Period.
My government is committed to open government, to cooperative government, to good government and to a government which both reflects the wishes and serves the needs of Canadians. In addition to my government's agenda for constitutional and democratic reform – my government is committed to pursuing an agenda of strength and progress in other areas of government. Over the coming session and parliament my government will pursue several policies including:
Social Services
Elimination of additional charges for healthcare services.
Establishment of a national minimum standard of healthcare benchmarks, specifically for wait times, preventative care visits and ease of access for rural and northern regions.
Amendment of the Indian Act to eliminate outdated and discriminatory sections.
Reform of the residential school system to ensure the moderinisation of Indian education.
Review of Unemployment Insurance with a two pronged goal of ensuring that the program adequately provides for the needs of participants and remains fiscally viable through the foreseeable future.
Increasing of research and education grants and loans to ensure that Canada remains competitive.
Law and Order
Introduction of legislation which, if passed, will abolish the practice of capital punishment.
Increasing the force strength of the RCMP by 3000 over the next 6 years.
Increasing the force strength of the penitentiary service by 1000 over the next 10 years.
A review of the parole system to ensure that dangerous offenders are not released into the public and that those who have reformed have the opportunity to reintegrate themselves under careful supervision and become productive citizens again.
Industry, Infrastructure and Development
Streamlining of Air Canada, Canadian National and Marine Atlantic to ensure efficient, affordable and friendly service to Canadians.
Development of a high speed and high capacity rail line connecting Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Windsor.
Study of a possible fixed link between Prince Edward Island and mainland Canada.
Cooperative approach with Canadian cities to expand public transportation services.
Investment in resource and energy markets to ensure viability, sustainibility and success for Canadian resource industries.
Establishment of a 200 nautical mile resouces exclusion zone in Canadian waters to protect Canadian resources for Canadian use.
Establishment of a national fisherman's forum to represent the needs of our fishing industry and to provide for a degree of self-management.
Scientifically based fishing quotas which will balance profitibility and sustainibility.
Development of purchase credit for family farms.
Review and expand markets for Canadian agricultural products.
Canada's Place In The World
Maintainance of cooperative relationships in NATO, Commonwealth of Nations, UN and other international organisations.
Continued support for global development and aide to needy nations.
Expression of territorial soverignty in the Arctic.
Expanded training for reservists.
Streamlining of National Defence Department.
Modernisation and streamlining of early warning systems.
My government will pursue these and other items to accomplish an agenda of economic strength and social progress for Canadians.
Honourable Members of the Senate,
Members of the House of Commons:
During the trials of this new Parliament, may Divine Providence be your guide and inspiration.
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