King Charles to open Canada’s new parliament as PM Carney confronts Trump threats

Canada’s prime minister-elect Mark Carney confirmed on Friday that King Charles III will open the new session of parliament on 27 May – the first time a reigning monarch has delivered Ottawa’s throne speech since 1957. Carney, whose Liberals secured a minority in Monday’s election, called the royal visit “an historic honour that underscores our sovereignty” after weeks of US President Donald Trump floating the idea of annexing Canada and slapping steep tariffs on Canadian exports.

Carney also said he will travel to Washington on Tuesday for face-to-face talks with Trump, promising to “fight for the best deal” while warning that the old era of seamless economic integration “is over.” Ottawa is pressing the White House to scrap fentanyl-linked tariffs on Canadian goods and to respect existing trade rules; Trump, for his part, has threatened even harsher levies unless Canada accedes to a new accord. “Anyone who thinks we’ll roll over is mistaken,” Carney told reporters, vowing to present a gender-balanced cabinet on 12 May and to recall MPs the day of the King’s address.

The Liberal leader ruled out a formal coalition with the left-leaning New Democrats despite governing from a minority position, arguing that his party won “the most votes in Canadian history” on a mandate to stand up to Washington and tackle housing costs. He pledged tougher bail laws, accelerated home-building and a byelection to give Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre a seat in parliament. “I’m in politics to do big things,” Carney said, while acknowledging difficult negotiations ahead: “Do not expect white smoke out of that meeting.”