Key Takeaways
- Canada is facing a stark contradiction between division and consensus, with the country being dangerously divided regionally and generationally, yet having a robust consensus on how to respond to these challenges.
- There is unanimous agreement among political leaders on the need to diversify Canada’s trade, lessen its dependence on the US, and build major infrastructure projects to get natural resources to overseas markets.
- Federal-provincial relations have improved, with a historic memorandum of understanding between Ottawa and Alberta to increase oil and gas exports, and a commitment to dismantle non-tariff barriers among provinces.
- There is bipartisan consensus on the need to reduce immigration levels, restore integrity to the system, increase defence spending, and toughen penalties and restrict bail for some offenders.
- Governments are committed to increasing the supply of housing, with different parties emphasizing different approaches, but all agreeing on the need for affordable housing.
Introduction to Canada’s Contradiction
The world of politics is often characterized by contradictions, and Canada is no exception. On one hand, the country is facing significant regional and generational divisions, with Quebec and Alberta potentially holding referendums on sovereignty, and younger Canadians resenting the Boomer and Gen X generations for their entitlements. These divisions are so severe that they put the country’s future at risk. On the other hand, Canadians are developing a robust consensus on how to respond to these challenges, with a shared vision for the country’s future.
Consensus on Trade Diversification
One area of consensus among Canadian political leaders is the need to diversify the country’s trade, in response to the Trump administration’s tariffs and annexationist threats. There is unanimous agreement that Canada must lessen its dependence on the US, which has become increasingly erratic and adversarial. While politicians may disagree on the best approach to trade diversification, there is no doubt that it is necessary. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and Liberal Prime Minister Mark Carney may have differing opinions on how to achieve trade diversification, but both agree that it is essential for Canada’s economic future.
Infrastructure Funding and Non-Tariff Barriers
Another area of consensus is the need for major infrastructure funding to help get Canadian natural resources to overseas markets. Politicians may argue over which projects deserve the highest priority, but virtually everyone believes that Canada needs to build big and build fast. Additionally, there is a commitment to dismantling non-tariff barriers among provinces, to create a genuine economic union within Canada. While progress may be slow, the commitment to this goal is a positive step towards a more unified Canada.
Federal-Provincial Relations
Federal-provincial relations have undergone a significant transformation in recent months. After the federal election, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith expressed frustration with the federal government’s treatment of Alberta’s economy. However, just seven months later, Ms. Smith and Prime Minister Carney signed a historic memorandum of understanding, committing Ottawa to working with Alberta to increase oil and gas exports. This agreement has the potential to bring significant economic benefits to Alberta and Canada as a whole.
Indigenous Communities and Pipeline Development
The development of new pipelines is a contentious issue, with some critics warning that First Nations communities will never permit a new pipeline through Northern British Columbia. However, Indigenous peoples are increasingly committed to supporting new investments that bring jobs and wealth to their communities. With sufficient investment and consultation, it is possible that some B.C. First Nations communities may sign off on a new pipeline. While B.C. Premier David Eby has objected to any proposal that would lift the moratorium on oil-tanker traffic in Northern B.C. waters, polls show that a solid majority of Canadians, including a majority in British Columbia, support a new pipeline.
Foreign Investment and Defence Spending
Prime Minister Carney has been aggressively pursuing increased foreign investment in Canada, and both sides of the political spectrum agree that the country’s economic future depends on being open for business. Additionally, there is bipartisan consensus on the need to increase defence spending, with Mr. Carney committing to moving Canada’s defence spending up to the NATO minimum of 2 per cent of GDP. The Conservatives support this increase, and there is a shared commitment to increasing spending on defence in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and increasing American isolationism.
Immigration and Justice
There is also consensus on the need to reduce immigration levels and restore integrity to the system, though the Conservatives would reduce the numbers more sharply than the Liberals are willing to. On the justice front, the Liberals are finally heeding Conservative calls to toughen penalties and restrict bail for some offenders. While there may be differences in approach, there is a shared commitment to addressing these issues and finding solutions that work for Canada.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Canada is facing significant divisions and challenges, there is a growing consensus among political leaders on how to respond to these challenges. From trade diversification to infrastructure funding, federal-provincial relations, Indigenous communities, foreign investment, defence spending, immigration, and justice, there is a shared vision for Canada’s future. This consensus offers a powerful antidote to the centrifugal forces that place the country at risk, and it is essential that Canadians continue to work together to build a more unified and prosperous country. The growing policy bipartisanship should not be mistaken for a new national unity, but it is a positive step towards a more cohesive and effective Canada.
