The ruling Conservative Party laid out the government's legislative agenda for Canada's 40th Parliament with the speech from the throne Wednesday in Ottawa.

The government's plan,delivered by Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean, promises hard decisions on spending and sound budget decisions.

The speech was short on specifics, which will be delivered next week during Finance Minister, Jim Flaherty's, economic update.

Kelowna-Lake Country MP, Ron Cannan, says anyone looking for big spending and lofty goals was listening to the wrong speech.

"My constituents are looking for a slow and steady hand under extremely difficult economic times and a government committed to protecting the earning and savings of Canadians. That is what they got," says Cannan.

"The message was we are working with a tight budget and we have to make every dollar work for us."

Cannan says the government was clearly signalling that the economic times ahead are going to be challenging and that it will be focused on maintaining its commitments.

"There is a clear plan and that's important. Recognize our strengths and ensure that those strengths work for us, keep taxes down and maintain essential services and programs."