Is Canada facing an existential crisis, or are we on the cusp of awakening the immense potential within us?
While my high school chemistry is a distant memory, I still remember a teacher explaining the concept of potential in chemical reactions. Potential refers to unrealized ability—something that can change when an external force, often heat, is applied. Think of a pot of water turning to steam when heated, unleashing power that can drive a steam engine.
This brings us to the current moment. With the recent shift in U.S. administration, Canada has been subjected to a strong external force. Our longstanding relationship with the U.S. as a major trade partner is being challenged, and this shift in dynamics mirrors how Europe has been dependent on Russian gas. In both cases, external forces are pushing us into a moment of reckoning. The difference being we have the resources, and the U.S. wants them.
So, how will Canada react? As Viktor Frankl said, “Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” This moment forces us to confront our choices and respond proactively—how will we navigate this moment and move toward growth, freedom and prosperity?
Canada has become complacent. We live in a country of extraordinary quality of life, yet we’ve taken it for granted. Our standard of living is high, but we’ve allowed our productivity to slip, voter participation to fall, and individual engagement in civic life to diminish. We’ve become too comfortable with the status quo, content to protest and complain without demonstrating real progress.
This is where we stand today—a country with immense potential, yet stagnant in many ways. But I am convinced that Canada holds more potential than any nation in the world. We are grounded in values like peace, tolerance, and authenticity. Canadians are kind, genuine, and proud of the country we’ve built. We have a beautiful natural environment to enjoy, with four distinct seasons that invite outdoor pursuits. Our democracy, free-market economy, and abundance of natural resources are unparalleled.
Yet, we find ourselves at a crossroads. We must now decide how to respond to the external forces challenging us. What will be the short-term, medium-term, and long-term impacts on Canada? What will happen to each of us, the 40 million citizens who are all connected to the outcomes?
More importantly, what can we, as individuals, do? The power to effect change lies within each of us. I challenge each of us to ask: “If we were on trial for making Canada better, would there be enough evidence to convict us?” It’s a call to action. Each of us must take responsibility for shaping the future of this country.
To get started, I recommend reading Do Something! by Preston Manning, which offers 365 concrete ways to strengthen Canada, one small step at a time.
This is a critical moment in our history. If we believe Canada and our virtues and values are worth fighting for, then we must all become active participants in its future. It’s time to move beyond complacency, to awaken the giant within and unleash the full potential of our country.
We must decide if we are content to remain passive or if we are ready to rise and actively shape the future of Canada. Let’s take this opportunity to grow, to challenge ourselves, and to embrace the immense potential we hold as a nation. The time to act is now.
