Wednesday’s Throne Speech from the minority Liberal government unveiled what it calls an “ambitious plan for an unprecedented reality'' — pledging to create over one million jobs and expand or introduce benefit programs and supports for all aspects of Canadian society.

The Government approach laid out four foundations: (1) to fight the pandemic and save lives, (2) supporting people and businesses through this crisis as long as it lasts, whatever it takes, (3) to build back better to create a stronger, more resilient Canada, and (4) is to stand up for who we are as Canadians.

Local Member of Parliament for Dauphin—Swan River—Neepawa Dan Mazier tells CKDM he takes issue with some of the lofty commitments made in the Governor General’s address.

“This was supposed to be an opportunity for the government to give Canadians confidence during this uncertain time — instead there was a whole lot of buzz words and shallow promises,” adding that Canadians are “looking for a clear plan as we enter the 2nd wave, and I didn’t hear anything like that during this Throne Speech.” 

Mazier says he’s also concerned about the talk of more government spending, and a lack of focus on how that spending is going to be reigned in or controlled.

The local MP was also critical of the federal Liberals moving forward with firearm bans, and says these policies are not serving rural Manitoba well.

He asserted that these firearm bans are hampering legal gun owners, and not helping the situation with regards to tackling crime.

The Conservatives have declared they won’t support the program detailed in Governor General Julie Payette’s speech, while the Bloc Quebecois is angry over what it considers a plan that would invade provincial jurisdiction.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says his party is still undecided over whether it can vote to support the Liberal’s throne speech.