COVID-19 recovery top priority in throne speech, but governor general provides little detail
Posted November 23, 2021 4:00 am.
Last Updated November 24, 2021 4:52 am.
The continuing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic and the work needed to recover are the undercurrents of Liberal plans for this session of Parliament and throughout Gov. Gen. Mary Simon’s first speech from the throne.
The throne speech promises action on climate change, reconciliation with Indigenous communities and growing the economy, all while fighting COVID-19 and rebuilding Canada’s health-care systems.
The government vows to work with provinces and territories on a myriad of health-care issues either highlighted or exacerbated by the health crisis.
That includes improved health accessibility and bolstering data collection across health systems to inform future decisions — something the government has faced heavy criticism about during the pandemic response.
The government will also work to address delayed procedures, put off while hospitals focused on incoming cases of COVID-19, and the treatment of mental health and addictions.
Simon says the government is also securing next-generation COVID-19 vaccines, boosters and doses for kids aged five to 11.
Inflation worries addressed
The federal government is promising to tackle the rising cost of living as it faces pressure to lay out a plan to help cool inflationary pressures.
The annual inflation rate hit an 18-year high in October, fuelled largely by rising prices at the pumps and grocery store aisles, with help from housing costs that may be shaking off their mid-year moderation.
Adding to price pressures are snarled supply chains around the globe that have been unable to keep up with rising consumer demand for goods.
Tuesday’s throne speech, which laid out the Liberals’ priorities for their third mandate, noted that inflation worries are affecting countries around the world.
And while it also touted Canada’s economic performance, including employment having returning to pre-pandemic levels, the text of the speech said the country must tackle the rising cost of living.
