A pivotal week in Canadian federal politics is underway as the 45th Parliament formally opens and Prime Minister Mark Carney takes his place at the helm of a new Liberal minority government.
Canadians can expect a full schedule of ceremonial and procedural milestones set to define the week and signal the direction of Carney’s Liberals.
On Monday, May 26, Mark Carney steps into the House of Commons for the first time as Canada’s Prime Minister. Having taken the reins of the Liberal Party on March 9, 2025, Carney now leads a minority government that will rely have to rely on other parties to advance its agenda.
Coinciding with the return of Parliament is a royal visit from Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, taking place May 26–27.
The centrepiece of the week comes on Tuesday, when His Majesty King Charles III delivers the speech from the throne, laying out the Liberal government’s priorities for this Parliamentary session. For the first time since Queen Elizabeth II in 1977, a reigning monarch will deliver the speech from the throne.
This constitutionally mandated address outlines the government’s legislative priorities for the session and officially marks the beginning of parliamentary business. No debate or votes can occur in either chamber until the speech is delivered.
This is a critical moment for Prime Minister Carney, as the Throne Speech will set the tone for his government’s priorities and signal how he intends to navigate a minority Parliament—where confidence votes can determine a government’s survival.
Their Majesties will be welcomed in Ottawa with a formal reception at Rideau Hall, including appearances by Indigenous leaders, federal and provincial dignitaries, and the Governor General.
The King will also meet privately with Governor General Mary Simon and Prime Minister Carney.
Liberal MP Francis Scarpaleggia was elected Speaker of the House of Commons on Monday. In accordance with tradition, Prime Minister Carney and Leader of the Opposition Conservative MP Andrew Scheer ceremonially escorted Scarpaleggia to his seat.
Adding to the changing parliamentary dynamics is the New Democratic Party’s loss of official party status. Without the required seat count, the NDP’s diminished role will affect speaking time, committee assignments, and access to resources—reshaping the balance of opposition forces in the chamber.
