King Charles III of the United Kingdom arrived in the Canadian capital Ottawa on Monday to open a new session of the Canadian Parliament. His visit is seen as a symbolic response to repeated statements by US President Donald Trump about the need to turn Canada into an American state.
The 76-year-old monarch was met at the airport by Canada’s new Prime Minister Mark Carney. The minister invited the king to deliver the throne speech, which is traditionally given by the governor general, the representative of the British monarch in Canada. This is King Charles III’s first visit to Canada since his coronation. His mother, Queen Elizabeth II, delivered the throne speech in Canada only twice, in 1957 and 1977.
Although the king himself has not commented on Trump’s statements about wanting to annex Canada as the 51st state of the US, his speech is expected to include signals of support for Canadian sovereignty and independence in trade and economic policy.
In an interview with journalists, Prime Minister Carney stressed that his newly formed government intends to build “new economic relations with the United States,” which, according to him, “can no longer be considered a reliable partner.” He also announced plans to diversify trade by strengthening domestic economic ties and developing relations with other countries.
In recent months, the United States has imposed tariffs on a number of Canadian goods, including steel, aluminium and automobiles, causing concern in the Canadian economy. Some of these tariffs have been suspended pending trade negotiations.
The opening ceremony of Parliament, attended by the king, will take place on Tuesday in the Senate, where Charles will be given military honours before delivering his speech from the throne.
