The pomp and circumstance are over. The hard work of governing has begun.

Jacquie LaRocque, standing, smiling at camera

Throne speeches reveal the best-laid plans of a government — the priorities it wants to feature, the policy debates it wants to have, the agenda it will push in a new Parliament. From here on out, politics will determine whether these plans go awry or not.

The speech’s inherent strength is that it was validated by a mandate from the Canadian people just over a month ago. Its inherent vulnerability is the very breadth of its ambition. 

On climate change, the Trudeau government will need to move fast on regulations that will set the framework for achieving a transition from our overwhelming dependence on fossil fuels for our standard of living and quality of life. 

On health care, the Liberals have promised a whole new mental health transfer that they will use to help bring about a transformation in mental health care. They have pledged to start winding down relief benefits for COVID-19 as the pandemic crisis hopefully abates.

From reconciliation to access to broadband internet, from affordable housing to child care, from higher taxes on financial institutions to enriched income support for seniors, the government is promising bold, transformative action across a vast waterfront of issues. It has even established a checklist of initiatives that it will set in motion within 100 days. 

Having raised expectations so high, not to mention so broadly, the Liberals now must deliver. They must show that they can translate lofty climate change goals into concrete, practical and workable plans. 

They have to show resolve as well as deftness in health care negotiations with the provinces and territories. They have to strike a delicate balance between public health and the economy as they continue to guide the country through the pandemic. And they have to achieve all of these and other policy outcomes against the backdrop of an economy that may be faltering under the stress of rising inflation.

Governments in a hurry run the risk of tunnel vision, neglecting meaningful consultation, and falling into avoidable political traps. 

This is the throne speech of a government in a hurry. No doubt, many of the complex public policy challenges outlined today require swift action. But for Canadians at this critical juncture in our history, getting things right is more important than doing things fast. After all, they are the ones who will have to live with the consequences. The Liberal government must take the time to plan, consult and engage with partners and stakeholders before dashing off in all directions.  

I know from my personal experience that there are ways to find the common good on any issue, no matter how complex or controversial.  

This government needs partners to win and we must be there to make smart, helpful and effective contributions to policy development and implementation.