Speech from the throne: Part I

Tonight, Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean opened the 2nd Session of the 39th Parliament of Canada. The following is NOT a transcript, but my rather frenzied notes on the Throne Speech. A reminder for non-Canadians: this speech was written by our Conservative Prime Minister, Stephen Harper.
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• speech opened with a nod to the Canadian Forces (several representing the various branches of the CF were present for the occasion)
• tonight marks the 50th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's 1957 speech opening the 1st session of the 23rd parliament
• other anniversaries noted, e.g. Abolition of Slavery Act (British Empire)
• Canada "is a generous society": protective of land, something "learned from Aboriginal peoples;" Canadians are also "open to creation and quick to innovate"
• Canada "greatest country in the world" but we want guv that "sets clear goals and is accountable"
• Canadians "have more money in their pockets" b/c of tax reductions, more choice in childcare (HA!)
• Guv is working to reduce medical wait times, tackling crime
• The "government is clean and the country is united"
• Five priorities for the next session:

1. Strengthening Canadian sovereignty,
2. Strengthening the Canadian federation,
3. Economic prosperity,
4. Tackling crime, and
5. Environment (do what with the "environment"? Stay tuned...)

(Continue on to Part II)