Trudeau begins his third term with continuity

Significance

The Liberal government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is beginning its third term with an emphasis on post-pandemic issues. While there was little new in the speech, which mostly signalled a continuation of existing policies, more action is likely on environmental and Indigenous reconciliation issues.

Impacts

• New legislation will underpin the equality of the French language with English in federally regulated workplaces.
• Reform of the Broadcasting Act to cover online streaming services will require them to generate more Canadian content.
• Substantial increases in the foreign aid budget are likely, as are new diplomatic efforts in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Promises of renewed investment in defence are likely to be downgraded given the emphasis on social spending.