Lawmakers must bolster Canada`s slowing economy in the coming year by helping its auto sector, signing new trade pacts and boosting energy output, the government said Wednesday.

In a throne speech read by Governor General Michaelle Jean that lays out the government`s agenda for this parliamentary session, the government said it would use Canada`s experience `in developing a strong model of financial regulation to help lead the world in the repair and strengthening of the international financial system.`

The government, said Jean, would avoid `structural` budget deficits; push for a national securities regulator to replace the patchwork of provincial regulators; provide `further support` for Canada`s automotive and aerospace industries; and modernize Canada`s copyright laws -- all in a bid to strengthen Canada`s competitive advantage.

On the international stage, Ottawa indicated it hopes to sign new trade agreements and ratify trade pacts currently being negotiated with the European Free Trade Association, Peru, Colombia and Jordan.

As well, it aims to partner with Washington to develop a North America-wide cap and trade system for greenhouse gases.

In the speech, the government also pledged to invest in new scientific research facilities; encourage new nuclear power projects and build a pipeline to Canada`s natural gas reserves in the far north; as well as renew all of Canada`s major air, sea and surface fleets over the next two decades.

`In these uncertain economic times, it is more important than ever that our spirit of solidarity prevails and reaches beyond our borders,` Jean said, signaling the government`s intention to work closely with opposition parties, provincial governments and its allies.

`As one of our greatest hockey legends has observed, we need `to skate to where the puck is going to be, not to where it has been,`` she added.