Speech from the Throne

September 23, 2020

The Governor General of Canada delivered the Speech from the Throne to formally open the second session of the 43rd Parliament of Canada.

The Speech from the Throne was delivered in the Senate Chamber, in Ottawa.

The Governor General arrives at the Main Entrance of the Senate of Canada Building where she is greeted by the Usher of the Black Rod.

  • Credit: Sgt Johanie Maheu, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG05-2020-0079-008
A woman dressed in white walks past several military members who are standing at attention. Some are wearing green, others are dressed in black. There is also a man in uniform to the woman’s right. All are wearing masks.

The Governor General receives military honours from the Guard of Honour. A 21-gun salute is fired.  As Commander-in-Chief of Canada, Governor General Payette proceeds with an inspection.

  • Credit: Sgt Johanie Maheu, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG05-2020-0079-015
A line of people are walking towards the camera on a red carpet. The man leading the group is wearing a decorated black uniform, carrying a black and gold rod. He is also wearing a black cap and a black face mask.

The Usher of the Black Rod leads the procession inside the Senate Chamber.

  • Credit: MCpl Anis Assari, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG08-2020-0079-008
A woman in a white pant suit is walking on a red carpet. She is wearing black heels and a black face mask. A man is walking behind her in a dark suit, also wearing a face mask.

The Governor General always delivers a Speech from the Throne upon the request of the Prime Minister.

  • Credit: MCpl Anis Assari, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG08-2020-0079-010
A procession of people are walking along a red carpet towards the front of the room. Three of the individuals are wearing black. One woman is wearing white. There is a throne chair flanked by two Canada flags.

Due to the COVID pandemic, only a few guests were able to witness the event inside the Senate Chamber.

  • Credit: Sgt Johanie Maheu, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG05-2020-0079-019
A woman dressed in a white suit is sitting on a throne chair. There are Canada flags on either side of the platform. There is a man sitting in a chair facing her. He is wearing a red and white cape.

This Speech from the Throne formally opened the second session of the 43rd Parliament of Canada.

  • Credit: Sgt Johanie Maheu, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG05-2020-0079-020
A woman dressed in a white suit is sitting in a large throne chair holding a black binder. There are small microphones on either side of her.

In her introduction to the speech, the Governor General said, "Like a reed in high winds, we might sway but we will not break. Because our roots are firmly in place, our goals clear, and because we have hope – the hope that lifts the soul on dark days and keeps us focused on the future.”

  • Credit: Sgt Johanie Maheu, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG05-2020-0079-033
A woman in a white suit is sitting in a throne chair holding a black binder. A man is seated facing her on a red carpet. Other people in the audience can also be seen sitting.

The Speech from the Throne introduces the government’s direction and goals, and outlines how it will work to achieve them.

  • Credit: Sgt Johanie Maheu, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG05-2020-0079-034
A woman dressed in a white suit is sitting in a large throne chair holding a black binder. There is a small wooden table to her right. There is also a man to her right. He is dressed in a black suit with a navy blue tie.

The Speech from the Throne is delivered from the Senate Chamber.

  • Credit: Sgt Johanie Maheu, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG05-2020-0079-037
A woman in a white shirt and white jacket is smiling. Her jacket is decorated with medals. She is seated in a throne chair, holding a black binder.

The Governor General is the representative of the Queen of Canada, who is the Head of State of our country.

  • Credit: Sgt Johanie Maheu, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG05-2020-0079-040
A man and a woman are both dressed in black, wearing masks. They are both holding a binder that has a green bow on it. The man is wearing white gloves and a black hat.

It is the Secretary to the Governor General who hands the Speech from the Throne to the Governor General before it is read, and who presents the speech, in both languages, to the Speaker of the Senate once the speech has been delivered.

  • Credit: Sgt Johanie Maheu, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG05-2020-0079-041

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