Nearly two thousand years ago, Marcus Aurelius understood a fundamental truth: we control our own responses, not external events. This principle applies equally to nations. Canada cannot dictate the actions of other countries, nor can it prevent global disruptions, but it *can* control its own strength and resilience.
Canada’s very foundation was built on this idea – a deliberate act of self-determination. The provinces united not by chance, but by a conscious decision to govern themselves, resisting the pull of annexation. The original Confederation agreement wasn’t a lofty declaration, but a practical instruction manual, defining roles and responsibilities, immediately followed by action.
That spirit of decisive action forged a nation. The railway spanned the Rockies in four and a half years. The St. Lawrence Seaway, a monumental feat of engineering, was completed in five. The CN Tower, once the world’s tallest, rose in just three. This is the legacy of a country that *builds*.
This history is profoundly relevant today, as the global order shifts. For decades following World War II, Canada benefited from unprecedented stability, nestled beside the world’s dominant economic and military power. This proximity fostered deep economic integration, with billions of dollars in goods flowing across borders and living standards steadily rising.
However, this long period of stability bred complacency. Investment in the military lagged, bureaucracies expanded, and a reliance on others took root. Simultaneously, China’s astonishing economic rise presented a new dynamic, challenging the established order and leaving the United States grappling with a shifting landscape.
The result has been a re-emergence of protectionist policies, and a tendency to target allies like Canada, despite not being the source of the problem. The assertion that Canada exploits the U.S. through trade is demonstrably false; we provide essential resources at discounted rates, resources the U.S. then profits from. Canada has also consistently stood alongside the U.S. in times of conflict, offering unwavering support and shared sacrifice.
Despite these contributions, the reality is unavoidable: geography dictates that Canada and the United States will always be neighbors. This relationship, one of the most successful in the world, remains vital to both nations. It’s crucial to remember the distinction between governments and people; goodwill between citizens remains strong, a valuable strategic asset.
Navigating this complex relationship requires a clear understanding of what Canada *can* control. Rather than seeking alternatives to the U.S., or relying on partnerships with nations that pose their own challenges, Canada must focus on strengthening itself. This means prioritizing affordability, autonomy, a strong military, and digital sovereignty.
Achieving affordability requires eliminating carbon taxes, accelerating resource development, and incentivizing domestic manufacturing. Unblocking resource development and homebuilding – industries largely immune to foreign tariffs – will stimulate the economy and create opportunities for Canadians. Streamlining the approval process for major projects, reducing red tape, and cutting taxes are essential.
A strong military is equally critical. Canada must invest in modernizing its forces, prioritizing capability over bureaucracy. This includes rapid procurement processes, embracing innovation, and securing control over its own Arctic territory with new bases, icebreakers, and advanced technology.
Finally, true self-reliance demands digital sovereignty. Canada must protect its intellectual property, incentivize the commercialization of Canadian technologies, and safeguard its critical infrastructure from external control. This requires overhauling subsidies, tax policies, and investment review laws to ensure that the benefits of innovation remain within Canada.
With a stronger domestic foundation, Canada will possess the leverage needed to negotiate effectively on the international stage, particularly in the upcoming CUSMA review. The goal is clear: tariff-free trade, protection for Canadian workers in key industries, and an end to unfair trade practices.
This requires a united front, with all political parties working together in the national interest. A collaborative approach, combined with a firm commitment to defending Canadian sovereignty, will ensure a successful outcome.
History will judge Canada not by the challenges it faces, but by its response. Will it succumb to external pressures, or will it master its own destiny? Will it blame others, or strengthen itself? The path to a truly unbreakable Canada lies in building a nation that is Stronger at Home, and therefore, possesses the leverage to thrive abroad.
