The monarch, on his first official visit to Canada since ascending the throne, delivered his Speech From The Throne to open the 45th session of the Parliament of Canada. He departed from royal convention with a pointed reminder of Canada's independence.
'Canada is not only a geography; it is a living expression of values rooted in democracy, freedom and the rule of law, he remarked. 'As the anthem reminds us: The True North is indeed strong and free.'
