A majority of Canadians think that Canada is broken after years of stagnant incomes, affordability challenges, rising crime, government failures on basic functions like healthcare and immigration, and a deepening cultural malaise. But decline is a choice, and better public policies are needed to overcome Canada’s many challenges. Kickstart Canada brings together leading voices in academia, think tanks, and business to lay out an optimistic vision for Canada’s future, providing the policy ideas that governments need to ensure a bright future for all Canadians.
If you’re a regular at The Hub, you’ve no doubt tuned into the steady drumbeat of dismay over Canada’s economic backslide. Myself and fellow contributors have dissected this slow-motion unraveling in excruciating detail, revealing a stark decline in our living standards—a decline that young Canadians are bearing the brunt of. Canadian youth are experiencing what might be called a “milestone recession,” where traditional rites of passage like securing a job, finding financial footing, buying a house, or starting a family are morphing from tangible goals into the stuff of folklore. It’s no mystery why they report being so unhappy. Many are giving up on Canada.
Amid this backdrop, our young are choosing to move, trading the familiar streets of Toronto and Vancouver for more affordable locales, or seeking opportunities across the border in record numbers. This wave of departure should also be a wake-up call for patriotic fervour, because this brain drain means we are needlessly losing our future.
Every one of Canada’s challenges is surmountable; behind our immediate hardships lies a nation brimming with potential. Young Canadians should not let dissatisfaction give way to cynicism, but instead let it fuel a resolve to make things better. This country needs our patriotism, energy, and vision now more than ever. The next generation has the unique opportunity to transform frustration into action—to rebuild and redefine Canada for a prosperous future.
There’s no place like home
Canada could have it all—it has every reason to be the best place to live on earth. Our problems are big, but they pale in comparison to our opportunities. With numerous advantages at our disposal, now is not the time to give up on Canada.
Canada stands out on the global stage, boasting a plethora of advantages that position it uniquely among developed countries. Geographically, we are a massive fortress, bordered by three oceans and share the world’s longest undefended border with the United States offering unmatched security and stability.
Economically, Canada enjoys a solid fiscal foundation, with a pension system that is largely funded and sustainable, unlike the burdensome obligations that will weigh down many peer nations in the decades ahead. Rich in natural resources, our country holds more than a quarter of the world’s freshwater and expanses of arable land, placing us in an enviable position as the world adapts to climate change.
Furthermore, Canada’s population ranks among the most educated globally, with a workforce known for its high human capital. This is complemented by a liberal, open-minded culture that welcomes diversity, champions free expression, and respects individual rights. These attributes cushion Canada against many of the economic and social challenges facing other regions but also provide a platform for innovation industries to drive unparalleled growth and prosperity in an increasingly complex world.
