Throne speech - some big gambles

A very good Throne speech, with points on arctic sovereignty, continuing the effort in Afghanistan, watching over the use of aid, a strong focus on federalism, fostering Canadian unity through free trade and government funding for healthcare and social services.

Visual identification of voters - Harper got quite a rap on the topic, why did he bring it up again?
The focus on the middle class is a core Tory value, but the concern about rising higher education costs and affordable housing left me quite bewildered, especially the former.
One single crime bill is a daring move, possibly trying to cash in on the momentum if the Liberals vote in favor of the speech - those measures would die off if introduced one by one. However Harper here is really rolling the dice. The mention of youth crime will definitely anger the Liberals.
Security certificates are another big hot potato and I disagree that such measures should be introduced, terrorism can't be fought by lowering ourselves to that level.
Kyoto is dead and no amount of wishful thinking can bring it back, but the cuts envisioned by the speech are a commendable target. If the Liberals criticize the speech for ditching Kyoto, in the face of more ambitious targets and the introduction of real measures to tackle climate change, such as the free trade in emissions, they will shoot themselves in the foot.
The water strategy will have to take into account the contribution of the USA to the pollution of the Great Lakes, which isn't a small problem!
As for the product quality and safety standards, I say "About blipping time!". No-one advocates the health&safety madness the UK has, but jeez there has to be some benchmark high enough, and safeguards for consumer safety.

So much focus on First Nations. Is this really the courting of traditionally Liberal voters?

The debate will be interesting, Harper is playing with fire imho. The speech is very Conservative, and it really testifies for Harper's political and ideological integrity. Whether this will win him an election is another matter.