Kitchener Mayor welcomes federal throne speech asserting a true north strong and free

Kitchener, Ontario – Today, His Majesty King Charles III delivered the Speech from the Throne to officially open Canada’s 45th Parliament. This is part of a historic visit with Her Majesty Queen Camilla and the first to Canada since the Coronation.

“The significance of the visit by Their Majesties and of King Charles delivering the Speech from the Throne is profound,” said City of Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “It demonstrates the gravity of this historic moment in Canada with a renewed sense of national pride, a focus on strengthening our great country, and reinforcing Canada’s sovereignty.”

The Throne Speech has set out the new federal government’s priorities including:

“The federal government, through today’s Speech from the Throne, is focusing on uniting our country around economic growth and prosperity,” said City of Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “Essential to achieving this vision is partnership and collaboration across all orders of government to address the issues most important to cities and communities and to grow our economy.”

The Speech from the Throne highlighted the importance of speed, efficiency and innovation in building more homes. This has been a significant focus for the City of Kitchener with a strong history of partnering with the federal government to accelerate housing and build a vibrant economy.

“On behalf of the City of Kitchener, I congratulate Prime Minister Carney and the federal government on the opening of a new legislative session,” said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “Protecting our economy, building more homes and ensuring affordability for our residents are all shared goals and critical for a stronger Kitchener and Canada.” 

With a clear focus on the economy in the face of U.S. tariffs and continued economic uncertainty and a plan to build an economy that is more resilient and self-reliant, a long-term, intergovernmental approach is needed.

“It is critical, now more than ever, to invest in nation-building projects that protect our economy and speed up community infrastructure that is essential to our mutual goals on housing,” said Mayor Vrbanovic.

The City team will continue to work with the federal government and all government and community partners on opportunities to accelerate infrastructure development that can keep municipal projects on track, maintain critical infrastructure and contribute to Canadian jobs and our economy.