1. Greener, Better, Fairer, Stronger – The Liberals Outline Their Future Plans
Canadians asked for real change and they’re going to get it.
Yesterday, Governor General David Johnston delivered his Speech from the Throne before Parliament in the House of
Commons.
What’s a Speech from the Throne? An outline of the Liberals’ agenda meant to open Parliament’s first session in
Trudeau’s administration. Wishing to win back the people’s trust, the Liberal government will bring us a stronger
middle class; a more transparent government; a greener environment without harming economic growth; a more
diverse and humane society; and a stronger nation overall.
Helping the Middle Class
The government wants all Canadians to have a real, fair chance at success, and they recognize a thriving middle class
as essential for that. Public investment is necessary to nurture the Canadian economy, create jobs and foster a
prosperous society. To that end, the government pledges the following:
 Tax cuts for the middle class.
 The Canada Child Benefit, a new tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help them with the cost of
raising children under age 18.
 Investments in public transit, green infrastructure and social infrastructure.
 Making retirements more secure for elderly Canadians by improving the Canada Pension Plan.
 Strengthening Employment Insurance so it can better serve Canadians who need it.
 Reduced post-secondary tuition fees.
 Developing a new Health Accord.
An Open and Transparent Government
 The government will dedicate themselves to being more open and transparent, in the following ways:
 Election reform. The Liberals wish for 2015 to be the final election conducted under the first-past-the-post voting
system.
 Senate reform. A new, non-partisan meritocratic process to advise the Prime Minister on Senate appointments will
be created in order to reduce partisanship in the Senate.
 Encourage open debate and free votes.
 Reform and strengthen committees.
 Refrain from using ads for partisan purposes, interfering with parliamentary officers and resorting to prorogation or
omnibus bills to avoid scrutiny.
Clean Environment, Strong Economy
The government believes that a clean environment and a strong economy aren’t mutually exclusive, but just the
opposite. In striving for one, we nurture the other. The Liberals propose the following to make the red and white even
greener:
 Putting a price on carbon and reducing carbon emissions.
 Strategically investing in clean technology, supporting companies who export such technologies and incorporating
them into Canadian society to provide a positive example for the rest of the world.

2.  Introducing new environmental assessment processes. These will incorporate public input, including those of First
Nations peoples. The government will make sure their decisions are driven by scientific fact and they will minimize
environmental harm as much as possible in everything they do.
Promoting Diversity and Humanitarian Efforts
Two of Canada’s greatest strengths are its diverse society and its humanitarian values. Encouraging those parts of
Canadian society is both just and beneficial for Canada’s economic prosperity. Here’s how the Liberals plan to do it:
 Renew Canada’s relationship with First Nations peoples by recognizing their rights, respecting their culture and
forging a new attitude of partnership.
 Implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations.
 Investigate missing and murdered First Nations women and girls.
 Work with the First Nations peoples so that each of their children can receive a quality education.
 Make it easier for immigrants to succeed, reunite with their families and give back to the economy.
 Accept 25,000 Syrian refugees by the end of February 2016.
 Offer more support to Canadian veterans and their families.
 Support Canada’s cultural and creative industries, including CBC/Radio-Canada, and promote the use of Canada’s
official languages.
Making Canada Stronger and More Secure
While the Liberals recognize that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous nation, the government remains committed
to preserving security both domestically and internationally while safeguarding our rights and freedoms. The Liberals
will:
 Strengthen Canada’s relationships with our allies, especially America.
 Focus on assisting the poorest and most vulnerable communities in the world.
 Renew Canada’s commitment to UN peacekeeping operations and work with our allies in the fight against
terrorism.
 Create an open and transparent process of reviewing our existing defence systems.
 Invest in a more efficient, leaner and better-equipped military.
 Negotiate beneficial trade agreements and pursue opportunities with emerging markets.
 Introduce legislation that will improve support for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, and reduce the
number of firearms on Canadian streets.
 Legalize marijuana.