Parliament is set to return today: here’s what you need to know

Parliament resumed at 8 a.m. today, and Canadians saw some new faces in the House of Commons – particularly among the three main parties.

Prime Minister Mark Carney was on the front benches for the first time after winning his seat in Nepean. Some familiar faces were notably absent from the House, namely former NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, who resigned on election night, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who lost his seat in Carleton.

Mark Carney says he plans to move quickly on his agenda with the opening of Parliament. He has already promised to bring in affordability measures, remove inter-provincial trade barriers and fast-track infrastructure projects to help boost the economy.

Carney’s top priority is to deliver a tax cut that was promised on the campaign trail, but the first order of business today is the election of a new Speaker of the House.

Members of Parliament chose Quebec MP Francis Scarpaleggia to fill the role.

The Speaker is important for keeping the House of Commons functioning smoothly – especially when there’s a minority government.

In a unique moment for Canadian politics, Prime Minister Carney has invited King Charles to open Parliament and deliver the throne speech on Tuesday. The speech, which introduces the government’s priorities and goals for the upcoming session, is normally read by the Governor General.

Inviting a member of the royal family to open Parliament is not without precedent. Queen Elizabeth II delivered the speech in 1957 and 1977.

“The Royal Visit is a reminder of the bond between Canada and the Crown – one forged over generations, shaped by histories, and grounded in common values,” the prime minister said in a statement. 

“Tomorrow, His Majesty King Charles III will deliver the Speech from the Throne in the Senate Chamber, nearly 70 years after Canada’s Sovereign first opened Parliament. This historic honour matches the weight of our times. It speaks to our enduring tradition and friendship, to the vitality of our constitutional monarchy and our direct identity, and to the historic ties that crises only fortify.”

The royals will arrive in Canada on Monday afternoon and are expected to make several stops before Tuesday’s proceedings – including a ceremonial tree planting on the grounds of Rideau Hall. PM Carney is expected to have an audience with King Charles on Monday evening. 

Parliament will only be resumed for the next month. They will break for the summer in June and return again in September.

READ MORE: King Charles III to deliver throne speech as parliament resumes