MNI:King Charles Rejects Trump Statehood Talk In Canada Speech

King Charles played up Canada's sovereignty in a Throne Speech in Ottawa Tuesday, backing Prime Minister Mark Carney's rejection of Donald Trump's comments about using economic force to bring trade concessions followed by turning America's northern neighbor into the 51st State.

"The Government will discharge its duty to protect Canadians and their sovereign rights, from wherever challenges may come at home or abroad," according to the text of the King's speech to Parliament. 

Canada will seek to redefine its place in a more dangerous world by creating new trade and security alliances, according to the speech. While that includes a new U.S. trade arrangement it's clear the relationship between the two nations has frayed, and the challenge is the biggest since the Second World War, he said. (See: MNI: Canada Will Struggle To Wean Off U.S. Trade Dependence)

"Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away. And that by staying true to Canadian values, Canada can build new alliances and a  new economy that serves all Canadians," he said. (See: MNI INTERVIEW: Carney Minority Govt To Last On Economy- Raitt)

The ceremonial speech is mostly written by the government of the day and it outlined several of Carney's priorities before winning the April 28 election. There are plans to "to become the world’s leading energy superpower in both clean and conventional energy," double the pace of homebuilding and curb immigration over the next few years. It also mentioned promised taxes to reduce the cost of living, but the speech only said its housing plan will lower "costs" and not prices as many younger buyers want.