On April 4, 2006, Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, delivered the Speech From the Throne for the new Canadian federal government, outlining the minority Conservative government's plans. The speech was relatively short, and it re-iterated many of the themes in the Conservative Party election platform.
The main priorities of the Conservative government will be:
- Accountability. The first piece of legislation to be introduced by the federal government will be the Federal Accountability Act and associated Accountability Plan. The omnibus legislation will cover donations to political parties, lobbying, protection for whistleblowers, and an increase in the transparency of appointments, contracts and auditing in government.
- Reduction in the Goods and Services Tax by one percent.
- Tackling Crime. The federal government will propose changes to the Criminal Code to set tougher sentences for violent and repeat offenders, especially for weapons-related crimes. It will increase the number of police officers and improve border security.
- Child Care. The federal government will provide direct financial support for the child care choices of parents. It will also collaborate with the provinces, employers and non-profit organizations to encourage the creation of more child care spaces.
- Health Care. The federal government will work with the provinces and territories on a patient wait times guarantee for medically necessary services. The government will also support innovative approaches to health care delivery consistent with the principles of the Canada Health Act.
- Changes to the Federal System of Government. These include exploring changes to the electoral system and the Senate and responding to concerns of the provinces about the fiscal imbalance between the federal and provincial governments. Responding to Quebec concerns about having a presence on the international stage, the federal government will invite Quebec to play a role in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
- Chinese Head Tax.The federal government will offer a formal apology for the head tax charged to Chinese immigrants between 1885 and 1923.
