The first session of the 37th Parliament began with pomp and pageantry Tuesday as the Governor General delivered the government's throne speech with a promise to keep Canada's economy strong.

MPs crowded into the stately Senate chamber to hear Adrienne Clarkson give the speech, after being summoned in traditional fashion by the Usher of the Black Rod.

"As we enter this new century, Canada and Canadians face the challenges of competing in a faster-paced, technology-driven world economy," Clarkson said.

Adrienne Clarkson

"Our objective should be to be recognized as one of the most innovative countries in the world."

As promised by Prime Minister Chrétien, the speech mirrored the government's election platform.

And like other throne speeches, it listed lofty goals but gave few details on how to achieve them.

Jean Chretien, John Ralston Saul and Adrienne Clarkson

Throne speech highlights

The speech included pledges to:

• Create an innovative economy
• Build a skilled workforce
• Bring Internet access to every community
• Fight poverty and poor health in native communities
• Double grants for research and development
• Reform Parliament
• Provide assistance to farmers

Opposition politicians were quick to criticize the speech, mostly for what wasn't in it.

Opposition Leader Stockwell Day said it fell short on specifics, especially on the economic front.

"It's just incredible that we're going into a session without a budget," he said, predicting that stormy economic seas are on the way. "We've got some problems here with things they haven't done."

Calls for a budget

Conservative Leader Joe Clark echoed the calls for a budget, saying, "We are just drifting on as if nothing has changed."

He said the Liberals must do more than simply maintain the status quo.

Finance Minister Paul Martin delivered a mini-budget in October, promising $100 billion in tax cuts over the next five years. He said the customary budget in February was not necessary this year.

But Clark said, "If there was ever a February that needed a budget, this would be it."

Bloc Québécois Leader Gilles Duceppe said the Liberals have still not clarified how the budget surplus will be shared among social programs, tax cuts and debt relief.

Duceppe also said the government's vision of Canada doesn't include Quebec. "I think it is legitimate but Quebec doesn't fit in it," said Duceppe, pointing out that the province's concerns on issues such as manpower training were not addressed.

On another front, the speech offered new help to aboriginal Canadians on issues ranging from alcohol abuse to job creation.

Not ready to take out the peace pipe – Matthew Coon Come

"Nowhere is the creation and sharing of opportunity more important than for aboriginal people," Clarkson said. "Too many continue to live in poverty without the tools they need to build a better future for themselves or their communities."

Matthew Coon Come, the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, called it the first step in a long process.

"I'm not ready to take out the peace pipe," he said, "but I look forward to meeting with the prime minister to develop an action plan."