Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean Warns Canadians of Tough Times Ahead

by Tina Kells | January 26, 2009 at 12:55 pm

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The Canadian parliament has resumed sitting after an unprecedented prorogue brought it to a halt on December 4, 2008. Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean suspended parliament at the request of Prime Minister Stephen Harper in order to give his government time to gain the support of the opposition parties and avert a vote of non-confidence.

Today, Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean gave a throne speech to re-open parliament in which she spoke of a rough road ahead for the Canadian economy and outlined a six-point stimulus plan to be presented in greated detail by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty with the budget release on January 27.

"Canadians face a difficult year — perhaps several difficult years," Jean said in the eight-minute address in Ottawa that gave broad strokes of the government's planned response to the economic turmoil.

"In the face of such uncertainty, our government has developed a clear and focused plan. Our government will spend what is necessary to stimulate the economy and invest what is necessary to protect our future prosperity."

The speech also said the government will take action to protect the stability of the financial system and ensure access to credit.

The address in the Senate chamber marked the government's first day back since Prime Minister Stephen Harper forced the suspension of the last sitting to avoid a confidence vote.

The fate of Harper's minority government rests on the upcoming budget, which will be delivered by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday.