I am not being facetious when I say we should get a trusted, useful person on a plane to Finland now and find out how they do it. They are a nation of about 5.5 million people. They have roughly the same standard of living as Canada. The Russians are very wary of them because they can fight the Russians to a draw for long periods when needed. Perplexity AI describes their military as follows:
"Finland maintains a robust military structure despite its small population:
Active personnel: 24,000
Wartime strength: 280,000 troops
Reserve force: 870,000 personnel
Conscription system: Trains approximately 21,000 conscripts annually"
How about it? Are we truly interested in maintaining Canada as a free and independent nation despite the maligne presence to our south? If so, let us get on with it please. Let us get back to building an effective defensive force and finding new and friendlier customers for our exports.
Finns and Canadians are very similar. My friend Ville, who was an exchange student to Canada from Helsinki 30 years ago, and I talk about this a lot. He has warned us that we need to stop messing around and to get to our NATO 2% asap.
More like 3.5% at this point. 2% was the pre-Ukraine War number. Are Canadians willing to give up the cradle to grave welfare state (where the state even wipes your bum) to support a geopolitically relevant military? The Liberal Party base of urban boomers and EI lifestyle folks certainly aren't.
Very good article, moving and inspiring. Unfortunately, at this point it's like trying to plug the hole at the bottom of the boat after we hit the boulder and the water is up to our waist. Canada should have eliminated inter-provincial trade barriers decades ago, we should have built up our national pipeline network, export terminals, eliminate all barriers to resource development, made ourselves indispensable to the world... instead, we burry our heads in the sand, vote in inept, ineffective, below intelligence average, pandering politicians and keep ignoring what our eyes show us. Our msm should be holding politicians to account but unfortunately, the only politicians they question are conservatives when they criticize the liberals' ineptitude. If this is what it takes to get Canada on the right track, great, I just think Canadians are too apathetic and gullible and will leave it to someone else to fix our problems and keep voting liberal so they can continue getting "free" stuff and "free" money. Too harsh? Maybe but probably not.
Fingers crossed. Historically, Canadians have been too complacent for their own good. I don't recognize the country I grew up in right now, hopefully it's not gone forever. Politics should not be something people think about only once every four years, we need to stay involved and stop taking the country for granted. Thank you for your writings!
We have been complacent. In many ways. Over-reliance on the US market is one part of it, exporting raw resources is another, allowing massive wealth creation without value creation (i.e. real estate speculation), are among the other easy roads we have continuously taken. It’s why we don’t innovate and are less productive.
We are now a case study that can be added to Ethiopia as to what happens when you have been blessed with unearned abundance. A lack of innovation, disciplined management, and long term thinking. It’s not a night and day difference to other countries, we’re not abject failures and we surely cannot blame the people we’ve elected. No, just over time we’ve preferred to take the easy road. It’s fine when times are good and/or until you run out of the free abundance but it means that we lack the resilience we would otherwise have. A crisis like this puts it into sharp enough relief that most people see it.
Are Canadians willing and able to be more disciplined, to accept short-term pain for long-term gain? Maybe this scare will do it but it remains to be seen. One thing you can be sure, if a leader sticks their neck out and tries to develop and execute some strategic long-term plans, there will be relentless opposition with slogans and personal attacks that will point to the short term pain as a deliberate attack on the people by the government. Not sure if/how we can get past that.
Canadians need to take off the blinders, accept the fact that righting the ship will require effort, stop complaining about everything and get back to basics. We have everything we need to be a successful nation, a nation the world needs and looks to as a bright example of how to do things but we lack the backbone, we lack the fortitude and right now, we lack the leadership. I don't know what it'll take but the current road only leads to complete loss of our sovereignty.
We're going to see ordinary Canadians shredded when politicos fight an unwinnable, pyrrhic battle against continental integration based on purely sentimental grounds (their 'feelings' about this thing called Canada).
If Canada was a working political union it may be one thing, but we're talking about ruining the economy and possibly destroying many lives to preserve a political union that is likely to break apart within the decade due to organic separatist pressures in both the east and west.
Recent polls show 43% of young people would consider union with the United States if it preserved their savings and they received an American citizenship, that's a pretty good deal for regular, blue collar people, and a win-win for everyone compared to military conflict.
How about this: Canada is a number of states, but you still get to keep Team Canada Olympic hockey team, and maybe an acknowledgement that we're a "unique nation" within America. Probably would be enough for most people, I mean what is patriotism in this country anyway? Hockey, and weepy remembrances of past government misconduct.
How about no. Used to love the US. Can’t love the US under Trump. Canada is very flawed and we have lost our patriotism but this is the chance to get it back.
I would caution about letting personal animosity about Donald Trump (colloquially referred to as "TDS") colour your perspective about what the next steps taken should be
The goal needs to be ensuring the security and prosperity of Canadians, and if choosing not to fight is the most practical path to get there, that should be considered, despite anyone's feelings about the matter
You are right about this conflict summoning out the ancient spirits of nationalism that the progressive political class believed had been exorcised from the public, lets just hope we survive them
Trump will be gone but we need to think about the future generations. In what timeline are Canadians more prosperous fighting economic integration with the worlds most prosperous, innovative and dynamic country and economy.
Chauvinism isn't a good reason to ask our kids to become poorer.
Just seems like a better option than widespread unemployment and/or losing a war.
Honestly, mainstream politicos floating the idea of having a military conflict against America is kokobananas, most people would oppose it (especially in the western part of the country) and its not worth it
Yes, I'm sure there are many grieving people in Ukraine who regret that it couldn't be settled through a negotiation-compromise rather than fighting a losing battle, egged on by foreigners, against a massive intractable power
I think our politicians' reactions are preposterous and useless. Counter tariffs will just cost us more. Its all on consumers, both sides of the border. Best thing would be to ignore President X completely. He hates that. And just ride it out in stoney silence.
Also Canada needs to get out of NATO, which has always been a front for US imperialism. The money saved could soften the tariff blow. Remember Canadian blue helmet peacekeepers? Now test was noble!
But I do like the 51st state idea. States south of the 49th are pretty much the same as the Provinces north of it. Many Canadians would enjoy the mobility and easier trade, common currency and getting rid of our retarded constitution, and costly and inept federal gov.
You make the assumption that the whole country is united. Oh sweet summer child...
You have Central Canada basically calling Alberta illegitimate and "mostly American anyways" at least in polite company and social media. You have Alberta which recent polling shows supports Trump more than Trudeau or even the Liberal Party. Danielle Smith's actions, which are supported by the majority of Albertans (according to polling) are those of someone who doesn't trust the competency or motivations of the Laurentian Elite.
You have 43% of young people in Canada open to talking with the US about a deal, and you have 30% of Albertans open to becoming a US State. That folks is a critical mass of support, and that's even before the US squeezes hard or the US starts their pitch to Albertans.
So yes, you have bigger problems in Canada, ones which have festered because of the blatant favoritism of some regions at the expense of othering other regions.
Since this is an emergency, is Ottawa prepared to approve Energy East in full by the end of the month, and use the nonwithstanding clause to override the analysis paralysis and umpteen appeal filibusters, including those with FN virtue added onto them? Is the party "of the Charter" prepared to ignore the courts and override them immediately to get it done? Is Ottawa prepared to throw diary or aerospace under the bus to keep the country united? We wait and see.
Dairy + Aerospace > Alberta + Oil and Gas in Canada and that is only one reason why this country can be split off by Trump. His people aren't bright enough to realize it, but how long do you think it will take before Putin or Xi lay it out for him?
Back in the 80s it was in the news for a bit that the US has a plan to invade Canada and there is an elite force trained in winter combat just across the border from Ottawa, about 1.5 HR drive. It’s always been a possibility and the large corporations who now consider themselves be trans national, they don’t care. Our corporate titans will back invasion if it helps shareholder value (I used to work on slide decks for the board of one of Canadas biggest companies, they are all soulless at that level). Absolutely we need to adopt the Finnish model and start yesterday. It’s actually a good thing we didn’t plow billions into status quo military gear because the Ukraine just demonstrated that’s now legacy. The USAs 5500 main battle tanks and navy can be stopped with cheap drones. For me the big question is can our DND see the need to build for today and not WW2. Having worked with career civil servants, they will defend the status quo to the death.
To stay united , politicians (namely the Conservative leader and his radical followers) have to stop constantly talking about Canada being broken, falling apart and weak. PP has been doing that since he became leader - he is painting Canada as an easy target for a bully like Trump.
He is also pushing for the opening of Parliament. That is foolish. We have a legitimate elected Prime Minister and Cabinet in place to deal with the crisis. It is no time for the Conservatives to continue their name-calling and obstructionist behaviour and calling for a carbon- tax election.
Really silly premise In the meantime Mexico have stalled the tariffs working for a solution The Mexican government is smarter than Trudeau. I know. It isn’t hard
I’m not a fan of Trump; however, we need to stop and take a look at what this newfound Canadian nationalism represents. Canada is a socialist country. We have implemented equity at all levels of government, defined as “Fairness, impartiality, even-handedness. A distinct process of recognizing differences within groups of individuals, and using this understanding to achieve substantive equality in all aspects of a person’s life.” We are now in groups and our governments determine what is fair and will exert control over all aspects of our lives. This is socialism and, according to the Liberal government, equity is the law. Everything in the state, nothing outside the state, nothing against the state.
We’re not living in upside down times starting with Trump, they’ve been here for a while. But Trump has accelerated the chaos in his attempt at setting up expectations for a multipolar new world order.
The US wants to be a democratic capitalist country, while Canada is drifting ever more quickly to democratic socialism. The influence of China in many areas of Canada, not just drugs and money laundering is substantial. China is Trump’s main focus and we are not blameless as we have allowed Chinese money, influence and socialist policies to infiltrate Canada.
It is nice to see people caring about Canada again after all the talk of a post-national state with no core values. But I think the question we need to answer is are we a socialist or capitalist country. That is what has been dividing Canada and could tear it apart completely.
There’s NOTHING Canada can do to win this trade war, much like Ukraine can’t do anything to win their war.. it’s best to give up sooner rather than later..
Apparently nearly 20% of albertans would eagerly join the U.S.A. not insignificant so im concerned america will launch a special operation to “liberate” Albertans. Sounds crazzy. Putin did it and Trump is clearly a putin wanabe.
Tasha you are right to make the comparison for Canada to Ukraine. Along those lines Canada must very quickly make itself more troublesome to invade. 300,000 aerial drones are relatively cheap and quick to procure - on a national emergency basis. That is a good start! One pretext for invading:
The USA has massively shifted its values away from what was a progressive norm over the past 80 years. This right wing gov is building a new neo-nazi state with absolute control over the media, personal data, financial markets, congress and security apparatus. The last to fall will be the Supreme Court - which will take a while but it will be neutered. I fear there will be no going back and no fair elections going forward. Trump 3rd term anyone? I do not want Canada to join this shitshow! We must urgently prepare to resist the coming storm. The USA is at great risk of destabilizing itself over the next 4 years. Shit is just getting started…
I am not being facetious when I say we should get a trusted, useful person on a plane to Finland now and find out how they do it. They are a nation of about 5.5 million people. They have roughly the same standard of living as Canada. The Russians are very wary of them because they can fight the Russians to a draw for long periods when needed. Perplexity AI describes their military as follows:
"Finland maintains a robust military structure despite its small population:
Active personnel: 24,000
Wartime strength: 280,000 troops
Reserve force: 870,000 personnel
Conscription system: Trains approximately 21,000 conscripts annually"
How about it? Are we truly interested in maintaining Canada as a free and independent nation despite the maligne presence to our south? If so, let us get on with it please. Let us get back to building an effective defensive force and finding new and friendlier customers for our exports.
Finns and Canadians are very similar. My friend Ville, who was an exchange student to Canada from Helsinki 30 years ago, and I talk about this a lot. He has warned us that we need to stop messing around and to get to our NATO 2% asap.
More like 3.5% at this point. 2% was the pre-Ukraine War number. Are Canadians willing to give up the cradle to grave welfare state (where the state even wipes your bum) to support a geopolitically relevant military? The Liberal Party base of urban boomers and EI lifestyle folks certainly aren't.
Very good article, moving and inspiring. Unfortunately, at this point it's like trying to plug the hole at the bottom of the boat after we hit the boulder and the water is up to our waist. Canada should have eliminated inter-provincial trade barriers decades ago, we should have built up our national pipeline network, export terminals, eliminate all barriers to resource development, made ourselves indispensable to the world... instead, we burry our heads in the sand, vote in inept, ineffective, below intelligence average, pandering politicians and keep ignoring what our eyes show us. Our msm should be holding politicians to account but unfortunately, the only politicians they question are conservatives when they criticize the liberals' ineptitude. If this is what it takes to get Canada on the right track, great, I just think Canadians are too apathetic and gullible and will leave it to someone else to fix our problems and keep voting liberal so they can continue getting "free" stuff and "free" money. Too harsh? Maybe but probably not.
Maybe this will shake us out of our complacency. It’s the only silver lining to this situation.
Fingers crossed. Historically, Canadians have been too complacent for their own good. I don't recognize the country I grew up in right now, hopefully it's not gone forever. Politics should not be something people think about only once every four years, we need to stay involved and stop taking the country for granted. Thank you for your writings!
We have been complacent. In many ways. Over-reliance on the US market is one part of it, exporting raw resources is another, allowing massive wealth creation without value creation (i.e. real estate speculation), are among the other easy roads we have continuously taken. It’s why we don’t innovate and are less productive.
We are now a case study that can be added to Ethiopia as to what happens when you have been blessed with unearned abundance. A lack of innovation, disciplined management, and long term thinking. It’s not a night and day difference to other countries, we’re not abject failures and we surely cannot blame the people we’ve elected. No, just over time we’ve preferred to take the easy road. It’s fine when times are good and/or until you run out of the free abundance but it means that we lack the resilience we would otherwise have. A crisis like this puts it into sharp enough relief that most people see it.
Are Canadians willing and able to be more disciplined, to accept short-term pain for long-term gain? Maybe this scare will do it but it remains to be seen. One thing you can be sure, if a leader sticks their neck out and tries to develop and execute some strategic long-term plans, there will be relentless opposition with slogans and personal attacks that will point to the short term pain as a deliberate attack on the people by the government. Not sure if/how we can get past that.
Canadians need to take off the blinders, accept the fact that righting the ship will require effort, stop complaining about everything and get back to basics. We have everything we need to be a successful nation, a nation the world needs and looks to as a bright example of how to do things but we lack the backbone, we lack the fortitude and right now, we lack the leadership. I don't know what it'll take but the current road only leads to complete loss of our sovereignty.
I want a strong Canada.It's about time we stay united from coast to coast.
Robert L
We're going to see ordinary Canadians shredded when politicos fight an unwinnable, pyrrhic battle against continental integration based on purely sentimental grounds (their 'feelings' about this thing called Canada).
If Canada was a working political union it may be one thing, but we're talking about ruining the economy and possibly destroying many lives to preserve a political union that is likely to break apart within the decade due to organic separatist pressures in both the east and west.
Recent polls show 43% of young people would consider union with the United States if it preserved their savings and they received an American citizenship, that's a pretty good deal for regular, blue collar people, and a win-win for everyone compared to military conflict.
How about this: Canada is a number of states, but you still get to keep Team Canada Olympic hockey team, and maybe an acknowledgement that we're a "unique nation" within America. Probably would be enough for most people, I mean what is patriotism in this country anyway? Hockey, and weepy remembrances of past government misconduct.
How about no. Used to love the US. Can’t love the US under Trump. Canada is very flawed and we have lost our patriotism but this is the chance to get it back.
I would caution about letting personal animosity about Donald Trump (colloquially referred to as "TDS") colour your perspective about what the next steps taken should be
The goal needs to be ensuring the security and prosperity of Canadians, and if choosing not to fight is the most practical path to get there, that should be considered, despite anyone's feelings about the matter
You are right about this conflict summoning out the ancient spirits of nationalism that the progressive political class believed had been exorcised from the public, lets just hope we survive them
Trump will be gone but we need to think about the future generations. In what timeline are Canadians more prosperous fighting economic integration with the worlds most prosperous, innovative and dynamic country and economy.
Chauvinism isn't a good reason to ask our kids to become poorer.
Some people imagine Canada joining the US and picture California or Massachusetts when they should be picturing Puerto Rico.
Just seems like a better option than widespread unemployment and/or losing a war.
Honestly, mainstream politicos floating the idea of having a military conflict against America is kokobananas, most people would oppose it (especially in the western part of the country) and its not worth it
I’m sure Ukraine feels the same way about Russia.
Yes, I'm sure there are many grieving people in Ukraine who regret that it couldn't be settled through a negotiation-compromise rather than fighting a losing battle, egged on by foreigners, against a massive intractable power
We should not make the same mistake
It hurts cause its true :)
Canada needs better leadership regardless of what form it comes in.
I'm a francophone living in Québec.
Canada is my country. I will fight for it.
I think our politicians' reactions are preposterous and useless. Counter tariffs will just cost us more. Its all on consumers, both sides of the border. Best thing would be to ignore President X completely. He hates that. And just ride it out in stoney silence.
Also Canada needs to get out of NATO, which has always been a front for US imperialism. The money saved could soften the tariff blow. Remember Canadian blue helmet peacekeepers? Now test was noble!
But I do like the 51st state idea. States south of the 49th are pretty much the same as the Provinces north of it. Many Canadians would enjoy the mobility and easier trade, common currency and getting rid of our retarded constitution, and costly and inept federal gov.
You make the assumption that the whole country is united. Oh sweet summer child...
You have Central Canada basically calling Alberta illegitimate and "mostly American anyways" at least in polite company and social media. You have Alberta which recent polling shows supports Trump more than Trudeau or even the Liberal Party. Danielle Smith's actions, which are supported by the majority of Albertans (according to polling) are those of someone who doesn't trust the competency or motivations of the Laurentian Elite.
You have 43% of young people in Canada open to talking with the US about a deal, and you have 30% of Albertans open to becoming a US State. That folks is a critical mass of support, and that's even before the US squeezes hard or the US starts their pitch to Albertans.
So yes, you have bigger problems in Canada, ones which have festered because of the blatant favoritism of some regions at the expense of othering other regions.
Since this is an emergency, is Ottawa prepared to approve Energy East in full by the end of the month, and use the nonwithstanding clause to override the analysis paralysis and umpteen appeal filibusters, including those with FN virtue added onto them? Is the party "of the Charter" prepared to ignore the courts and override them immediately to get it done? Is Ottawa prepared to throw diary or aerospace under the bus to keep the country united? We wait and see.
Dairy + Aerospace > Alberta + Oil and Gas in Canada and that is only one reason why this country can be split off by Trump. His people aren't bright enough to realize it, but how long do you think it will take before Putin or Xi lay it out for him?
Maybe just help with the border and spend a bit more on defense 🤷♂️. Probably the easiest solution.
Back in the 80s it was in the news for a bit that the US has a plan to invade Canada and there is an elite force trained in winter combat just across the border from Ottawa, about 1.5 HR drive. It’s always been a possibility and the large corporations who now consider themselves be trans national, they don’t care. Our corporate titans will back invasion if it helps shareholder value (I used to work on slide decks for the board of one of Canadas biggest companies, they are all soulless at that level). Absolutely we need to adopt the Finnish model and start yesterday. It’s actually a good thing we didn’t plow billions into status quo military gear because the Ukraine just demonstrated that’s now legacy. The USAs 5500 main battle tanks and navy can be stopped with cheap drones. For me the big question is can our DND see the need to build for today and not WW2. Having worked with career civil servants, they will defend the status quo to the death.
To stay united , politicians (namely the Conservative leader and his radical followers) have to stop constantly talking about Canada being broken, falling apart and weak. PP has been doing that since he became leader - he is painting Canada as an easy target for a bully like Trump.
He is also pushing for the opening of Parliament. That is foolish. We have a legitimate elected Prime Minister and Cabinet in place to deal with the crisis. It is no time for the Conservatives to continue their name-calling and obstructionist behaviour and calling for a carbon- tax election.
Really silly premise In the meantime Mexico have stalled the tariffs working for a solution The Mexican government is smarter than Trudeau. I know. It isn’t hard
This did not age well.
I’m not a fan of Trump; however, we need to stop and take a look at what this newfound Canadian nationalism represents. Canada is a socialist country. We have implemented equity at all levels of government, defined as “Fairness, impartiality, even-handedness. A distinct process of recognizing differences within groups of individuals, and using this understanding to achieve substantive equality in all aspects of a person’s life.” We are now in groups and our governments determine what is fair and will exert control over all aspects of our lives. This is socialism and, according to the Liberal government, equity is the law. Everything in the state, nothing outside the state, nothing against the state.
We’re not living in upside down times starting with Trump, they’ve been here for a while. But Trump has accelerated the chaos in his attempt at setting up expectations for a multipolar new world order.
The US wants to be a democratic capitalist country, while Canada is drifting ever more quickly to democratic socialism. The influence of China in many areas of Canada, not just drugs and money laundering is substantial. China is Trump’s main focus and we are not blameless as we have allowed Chinese money, influence and socialist policies to infiltrate Canada.
It is nice to see people caring about Canada again after all the talk of a post-national state with no core values. But I think the question we need to answer is are we a socialist or capitalist country. That is what has been dividing Canada and could tear it apart completely.
There’s NOTHING Canada can do to win this trade war, much like Ukraine can’t do anything to win their war.. it’s best to give up sooner rather than later..
Er, no.
Dude, wtf, roll over ?
Get the fuck outta here, you're no Canadian.
Apparently nearly 20% of albertans would eagerly join the U.S.A. not insignificant so im concerned america will launch a special operation to “liberate” Albertans. Sounds crazzy. Putin did it and Trump is clearly a putin wanabe.
Tasha you are right to make the comparison for Canada to Ukraine. Along those lines Canada must very quickly make itself more troublesome to invade. 300,000 aerial drones are relatively cheap and quick to procure - on a national emergency basis. That is a good start! One pretext for invading:
https://substack.com/@forrestk/note/p-157084802?r=km1q7&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
The USA has massively shifted its values away from what was a progressive norm over the past 80 years. This right wing gov is building a new neo-nazi state with absolute control over the media, personal data, financial markets, congress and security apparatus. The last to fall will be the Supreme Court - which will take a while but it will be neutered. I fear there will be no going back and no fair elections going forward. Trump 3rd term anyone? I do not want Canada to join this shitshow! We must urgently prepare to resist the coming storm. The USA is at great risk of destabilizing itself over the next 4 years. Shit is just getting started…