Prime Minister Trudeau gave his speech from the throne in the Senate today, outlining the Liberals' plans for their new minority government and welcoming Anthony Rota as the new Speaker of the House of Commons.

Although today's #ThroneSpeech is delivered by the Governor General, it is written by the Prime Minister's Office in order to outline the priorities and direction our government will take during the forthcoming session of Parliament. pic.twitter.com/1yhuHtuFqm

— Gary Anandasangaree (@gary_srp) December 5, 2019

Read by Governor General Julie Payette, Trudeau's remarks touched on a number of topics Canadians are hoping the government will take action on, such as tackling climate change, supporting the middle class, addressing gun violence and furthering reconciliation efforts.

In the speech, the prime minister revealed an admittedly ambitious new goal for Canada to reach zero-net emissions by 2050, and that Parliament will support "cleaner, more efficient" communities and "protect more of our land and oceans," while still, somewhat contradictorily, supporting those working in natural resource sectors.

He also promised tax cuts for "all but the wealthiest" as part of his mandate to bolster the middle class — a demographic for which he's appointed its own minister — and vowed to continue increasing affordable housing.

The housing subject is of particular concern to those living in cities like Toronto or Vancouver, where rent and housing prices have been skyrocketing unrelentingly lately.

“A clear majority of Canadians voted for ambitious climate action now and this is what the government will deliver,” said @GGJuliePayette. “The government will continue to lead in ensuring a price on pollution everywhere in this country.” #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/RYWGcEaChn

— Power & Politics (@PnPCBC) December 5, 2019

The speech also mentioned banning military-style assault rifles and allowing municipalities to make their own rules around the legality of handguns.

Also, prioritizing the needs of the country's Indigenous peoples — who are currently in the midst of a suicide crisis in some parts of the country — and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Some additional somewhat vague highlights: a plan to "build a strong and growing modern economy," ensure access to quality health care and drug coverage across the country, continue with our peacekeeping mandate internationally and "further steps to address gender-based violence" in Canada.

Interesting throne speech. Glad to hear MMIWG not forgot, Indigenous peoples referenced & we MUST prioritize Climate Change ACTION. Curious, how does GoC define "co-development"? #ThroneSpeech #cdnpoli

— Francyne D. Joe (@FrancyneJoe) December 5, 2019

Reactions have been mixed, with some saying the speech snubbed the country's west and calling it full of empty promises, among other things.