OCTOBER 18, 1977 - Nearly 20 years to the day after her first throne speech in Canada, Queen Elizabeth returns to the Senate to open Parliament. Amidst high unemployment, inflation, and growing national unity concerns, she calls on Canadians to re-discover a sense of common purpose:

SPEECH FROM THE THRONE

At 4 p.m. Her Majesty the Queen proceeded to the Senate Chamber and took her seat upon the Throne. Her Majesty was pleased to command the attendance of the House of Commons, and, that House being come, with their Speaker, Her Majesty the Queen was pleased to open the Third Session of the Thirtieth Parliament of Canada with the following speech:

Honourable Members of the Senate:

Members of the House of Commons:

I heave greatly looked forward to being with you here in the Canadian Parliament in my Silver Jubilee year. Whenever I am in this wonderful country of Canada, with her vast resources and unlimited challenges, I feel thankful that Canadians have been so successful in establishing a vigorous democracy well suited to a proud and free people.

In this historic Chamber surrounded by the symbols and records of generations of Canadian legislators, I am very conscious of what Parliament has achieved – by transforming the visions and ideals of a great country into the enduring law of the land.

In ten visits to Canada spread over a quarter of a century – seven in the last decade alone – Prince Philip and I have met many thousands of Canadians in all walks of life, of all ages, in every province and territory. My happiest memories of our travels throughout Canada have been these individual contacts which have revealed the enormous strength and astonishing diversity of this nation.

A generation of Canadians has been born, and grown to maturity during my reign. I know you will understand when I say that I have a special interest in these young men and women, contemporaries of our own children. They are people made strong by the achievements of their parents and grandparents, but not imprisoned by the prejudices of the past. In their sensitivity towards other people, in their sense of justice, their generosity and good will, lie not only lessons for us all, but also the best and surest hope unity and understanding among Canadians everywhere. I look forward to meeting more of them next year in Edmonton when I shall have the pleasure of opening the Commonwealth Games.

I have always been full of admiration for what Canada is: the new generation fill me with confidence for what Canada can become.

The growth of these young men and women over the past quarter-century has been matched by a rapid expansion of Canada’s economic strength and international stature.

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Even in the midst of plenty, however, there are Canadians who know they are not receiving their fair share. To cite just one example, in those parts of the Atlantic Provinces where unemployment is particularly severe, some see themselves as an excluded group, able to gaze upon the good life only from a distance. There are many living in the West who have contributed much to Canada, yet believe their voice is little heard by others. There are many living in Quebec who feel deeply that Canada at present does not provide them with the opportunity to fulfill their reasonable aspirations. There are native peoples across the land who are still in search of a better life for themselves and their children.

This discotnent in such a wealthy country must find its causes in the human spirit, and it is there also that the unity of the nation must be found. A greater willingness to listen to each othr, to understand each other's needs, a greater generosity between individuals and between different parts of the country, a greater willingness to sacrifice so that others may have a chance, to take less so that others may have enough – all these are in the realm of the spirit. All are essential to the unity of the country. Governments, of course, have a special responsibility to both encourage and respond to the spirit of unity by their words and their actions. Canadians are, I believe, coming to recognize the seriousness of the problem. They are recognizing the need to make a new and deeper dedication to mutual understanding and sharing.

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Given the new economic realities to which Canada must adjust, and the urgency of promoting linguistic and cultural harmony, it is readily apparent that Canada is now entering a new era.

It can be an era of increasing confrontation, tension and division, or an era of enhanced freedom, co-operation and unity of purpose. Fundamentally, the choice must be made by every citizen every day.

It is apparent to thoughtful Canadians everywhere that this is a time of great decisions for Canada, a time for re-discovering the strength and potential of a marvellously free and caring society.

That re-discovery will require that Canadians rededicate themselves to each other’s well-being, just as I dedicate myself anew today to the people and the nation I am very proud to serve.

Members of the House of Commons,

You will be asked to consider budget proposals and to approve the expenditure of funds required for the administration of government services and programs.

Honourable Members of the Senate,

Members of the House of Commons,

May God bless and inspire all your deliberations and decisions.

The House of Commons withdrew.

Her Majesty the Queen was pleased to retire.

The sitting of the Senate was resumed.