Canada should place itself as a rising power in North America

As we navigate the complexities of the century, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Canada should emerge as a formidable player on the global stage. With its vast natural resources, robust regulatory frameworks, and commitment to social justice, Canada is well-positioned to assert itself as a leader in North America. It’s time for Canada to step out of the shadow of its southern neighbour, the United States, and demonstrate why the USA might need Canada more than the reverse.

Let’s be honest about what’s happening with stories of us becoming the 51st state. Many wealthy Americans headed to the White House are interested in taking control of our country’s natural resources and other public services. They want to make a lot of money by privatizing our public systems, weakening our public safety and protections, and controlling our natural resources such as minerals and fresh water. As they say, follow the money…….

Canada’s health and dental care system is a model from which many countries, including the United States, could learn. The Canadian healthcare system is publicly funded, ensuring everyone gets the care they need, regardless of their financial situation. This starkly contrasts with the U.S., where healthcare can be a significant economic burden for many. We have tax-payer-funded general health care with dental programs for children and older adults, ensuring these vulnerable groups access necessary care. We are also on the cusp of a national Pharmacare single-payer system that will pay for prescriptions as needed. 

The U.S., on the other hand, has a largely private healthcare system. Individuals often have to pay high premiums for health insurance, much of which is employer-based private care. Many Americans do not have access to affordable dental care, and dental health issues usually go untreated due to cost. The U.S. could learn from Canada’s approach to ensuring all citizens access necessary healthcare and dental services. Incorporating these public aspects into the USA’s healthcare system would significantly improve many Americans’ quality of life. 

The most compelling argument of importance is our abundant freshwater resources, with approximately 20% of the world’s freshwater. As water scarcity becomes an increasingly pressing issue globally, the USA may depend more on Canada for this essential resource. Let’s consider Canada’s wealth of natural resources. Our country is rich in minerals like gold, nickel, and diamonds, to name a few. These critical minerals are increasingly crucial for the technology and renewable energy sectors. This position positions Canada as a key player in the global minerals market. This resource advantage could make the USA more reliant on Canada for these critical minerals.

Then we have Canada’s strict gun laws, which prioritize safety and regulation and offer a stark contrast to the varied and often permissive gun laws found in the United States. This difference in approach has resulted in a lower rate of gun violence in Canada, making it a safer place to live and work. The USA could learn from Canada’s approach to gun control to address its issues with gun violence. Canada’s cultural attitudes toward firearms and its regulated approach to gun ownership starkly contrast with the USA’s more permissive environment. This difference in societal values reflects a broader perspective on safety and regulation, which could serve as a model for the USA as it grapples with its gun control issues.

Canada’s natural resources, strict regulatory frameworks, and abundant freshwater supplies position us or should position us, as a rising power in North America. While the USA remains a significant global player, it, like other countries, will increasingly rely on Canada for critical resources. It’s time for all our elected leaders and the media to take the driver’s seat and spotlight and show the world, particularly the USA, our true potential. Our union leaders are used to dealing with bullies, and it may be time to let them take the stage and show world leaders precisely what our Canadian values are and the need for increased value-added production. Protecting human rights, fighting climate change, regulating social media companies, and cracking down on tax avoidance are all policies that benefit the public good. We all know that all these and more threaten private profits. As I said, follow the money, and you’ll see the answer: it’s not about the public good; it’s about the rich getting richer.  During elections, be careful what you wish for.