Speech from the Throne

Governor General David Johnston’s delivered his third Speech from the Throne since his installation on October 1, 2010.

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, delivered the Speech from the Throne to open the first session of the 42nd Parliament of Canada on December 4, 2015. Upon his arrival on Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, he received the Royal salute.

He then inspected a 100 guard of honour composed of members from the Canadian Army, the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Royal Canadian Navy.

In the Hall of Honour, the Governor General, Her Excellency Sharon Johnston, the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, and Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau listened to an honour song.

Their Excellencies then met with Syrian refugees, youth and new Canadians, who attended the Speech from the Throne ceremony.

The Governor General signed a proclamation under the Great Seal of Canada, on behalf of The Queen, to summon Parliament to meet.

The Honourable Geoff Regan, Speaker of the House of Commons, asked the Governor General to assist him with the opening of the first session of Parliament.

As The Queen’s representative in Canada, the Governor General read the Speech from the Throne. The government of the day writes the Speech from the Throne and the Governor General contributes introductory remarks.

The last time the Speech from the Throne was read by The Queen was on October 18th, 1977, as part of her visit to Ottawa to mark her Silver Jubilee.