Charles delivers message of support to Canadian people

King alludes to the threat from Trump as he presides over the opening of parliament during his two-day visit to the country

- JABED AHMED

Canada is facing a “critical moment” in its history, King Charles said yesterday at the opening of the country’s parliament, in an address that was seen as a show of support in the face of annexation threats by Donald Trump.

In a speech to the Senate in Ottawa, written by Canada’s new government, Charles said prime minister Mark Carney’s administration would bond with “reliable trading partners and allies” – a nod to Mr Trump’s disruptive economic tactics.

Many Canadians have seen the King’s two-day visit to Ottawa – his 20th to the country overall – as a symbol of support for a nation that has faced the unwanted attention of Mr Trump, who has both enacted a trade war against his neighbour and threatened to annex it.

Charles referred to “the country that Canadians and I love so much”, but made no direct reference to the US president, who has imposed tariffs on Canadian exports and muses about turning Canada into America’s 51st state. Charles also told the parliament that “self-determination” is among a number of values that Canada holds dear and that its government is “determined to protect”.