Speech from the Throne

It is called the Speech from the Throne because the Governor General reads it while sitting in the seat in the Senate Chamber reserved for the Head of State or her representative, as the head of Canada’s system of executive government. The Governor General reads the Speech to a gathering of Parliamentarians (Members of the House of Commons and Senators) and others, such as the Judges of the Supreme Court of Canada.

The Speech from the Throne officially opens every new session of Parliament. It sets out the broad goals and directions of the government and the initiatives it will undertake to accomplish those goals. Upon his arrival on Parliament Hill, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commandier-in-Chief of Canada, conducted the inspection of the guard of honour.

The Secretary to the Governor General Mr. Stephen Wallace gave the Speech from the Throne to His Excellency. The government of the day is Her Majesty’s government and accordingly the Governor General, as the Queen’s representative in Canada, reads the Speech from the Throne.

Her Excellency Sharon Johnston was in attendance for the lecture. Each new session of Parliament begins with a Speech from the Throne, which officially opens the session. Until the Speech is delivered, no public business may be conducted by either the Senate or the House of Commons.

After the Speech from the Throne and before leaving Parliament Hill, the Governor General received a salute from the guard of honour.