Ottawa
CNN
–
King Charles III used a key speech in Canadian Parliament on Tuesday to highlight the country’s sovereignty following pressure from US President Donald Trump.
“Today, Canada is facing another important moment: democracy, pluralism, rule of law, self-determination and freedom are values that Canadians cherish and are determined by the government to protect,” the king gave a speech from the Senate throne, reducing the legislative Zenda of the Canadian government.
Charles, 76, is on his first two-day trip to Canada since he assumed the throne in 2022. He is head of state in Canada and 13 other federal territories, as well as in the UK.
It was the first time a sovereign had delivered an address in nearly 50 years, and was considered by many as a strong support show for Canada.
King Charles’ remarks come when Trump repeatedly expresses his desire to annex Canada and make it the 51st state. This is a move that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney repeatedly rejected.
During his speech, Charles spoke about some of the challenges Canada faced. “The open system of global trade that has been helping Canadians to flourish for decades, although not perfect, is changing. The relationship between Canada and its partners is also changing.”
King Charles discussed changes in relations between Canada and the US.
“For example, the Prime Minister and the US President have begun a new definition of economic and security relations between Canada and the US, bringing transformative benefits to both sovereign nations, rooted in mutual respect and based on common interests,” he said.
Charles also said it would protect Canada’s sovereignty and that the government would consider “reconstructing, rebuilding and reinvestment of Canadian forces.”
He said the government will “help Canada’s defense industry by joining Canada’s Europe, investing in transatlantic security with its European partners and will invest in transatlantic security, and will strengthen its presence in the North, an integral part of Canada, as the region faces new threats.”
The monarch added: “The government will fulfill its obligation to protect Canadians and their sovereignty rights from where challenges at home and abroad can come anywhere,” he added.
King Charles on Tuesday also emphasized that “the crown has long been a symbol of unity for Canada,” adding that it “represents stability and continuity from the past to the present.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla were warmly welcomed at the tarmac as the couple landed in Ottawa on Monday afternoon by Carney and Governor Mary Simpson of Canada.
On Monday, Kearney, who was mostly elected on the anti-Trump platform in March, praised the “historical link” between Canada and Britain “strengthening the crisis alone.”
