Sept. 23, 2020 MP Terry Sheehan in Ottawa today for today's

Speech from the Throne

Office of Terry Sheehan

Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie

Statement from MP Terry Sheehan Canada’s 150th

Speech from the Throne

September 23, 2020 - Ottawa, ON

Member of Parliament Terry Sheehan says that while today’s Speech from the Throne may have been carried out with much less ceremony, it may be the most important Speech from the Throne in Canada’s history.

The Coronavirus pandemic is the most serious public health crisis Canada has ever faced. The last six months have revealed fundamental gaps in our society, and in societies around the world.

For those who are already struggling – including parents, racialized Canadians, Indigenous Peoples, young Canadians, seniors – the pandemic has made life more difficult. Therefore, we must address these challenges and prepare to face them in the future. Together, we will take bold action on health, the economy, equality, and the environment to build a more resilient Canada for everyone.

“This is a critically important speech, it is a blueprint for continuing to fight Covid-19 together with a plan for the future of growth, innovation and unity. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with all levels of government, all political parties, the communities, businesses, labour and organizations in my riding of Sault Ste. Marie, as we to continue to fight Covid-19 and build a stronger economy together.”

Terry Sheehan

Member of Parliament, Sault Ste. Marie

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Economic Development (FedNor) and Official Languages

Four foundations of the Speech from the Throne:

Protecting Canadians from COVID-19:
- The first foundation of this plan is to fight the pandemic and save lives, by doing everything we can to protect Canadians.
  - Our priority is to look out for all Canadians, especially our most vulnerable.
  - Among other things, we will make sure Canadians will be able to get a vaccine once it is ready.
  - It will take all of us to keep Canadians safe and healthy, and to beat this virus.

Helping Canadians through the pandemic:
- The second foundation of our plan is to do whatever it takes to support Canadians and businesses through this crisis, as long as it lasts.
  - - This is not the time for austerity. Ensuring Canadians are supported through this health crisis is the best thing we can do for the economy.
- Canadians should not have to choose between their health and their job, just like Canadians should not have to take on debt that their government can better shoulder.
- - We will continue to help Canadians put food on the table, keep businesses open, create jobs, support women in the economy, and ensure our fiscal sustainability.

Building Back Better – a resiliency agenda for the middle class:
- The third foundation is to build back better to create a stronger, more resilient Canada.
  - We will keep strengthening the middle class and helping people working hard to join it.
- We will address gaps in our social systems, invest in healthcare, and build a stronger workforce.
- We will also build long-term competitiveness through clean growth while fighting climate change.

The Canada we’re fighting for:
- The fourth foundation of this plan is to stand up for who we are as Canadians, and defending our values.
  - Here in Canada, we take care of one another.
  - Together, there is more work to do to achieve progress on gender equality, walk the road to reconciliation, and addressing systemic racism.
  - We will stand up for the values that define our country, from embracing our two official languages, celebrating the contributions of LGBTQ2 communities, and welcoming newcomers and supporting family reunification.

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