The Canadian Century: moving out of America’s shadow hit the bookshelves in May of this year. Apart from being “recommended reading” in advance of the G8/G20 palavers…which it is…and apart from generating interest in the US…which it is also doing…the underlying principle of the book seems to be catching on in a broader sense.
In 1904, Wilfrid Laurier was right, though ahead of his time, when he said that “the 20th Century would be filled by Canada”. That’s essentially the message from authors Crowley, Clemens and Veldhuis in Canadian Century. Except, of course they have updated it to apply to the 21st Century. Sort of a Laurier v 2.1.
It’s no surprise to us here at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, therefore, when we see the Globe and Mail reporting that Canadian business opens eyes to global markets. The folks running these organisations know that the way to build a strong future for their companies, employees and Canada is to move out from under America’s shadow. As Laurier also advised when he said Canada, “…should seek markets wherever they are to be found”. At the same time, they also know that our country must never take our relationship with our friends to the south for granted. Just like the Canadian Century suggests…we need to work today on the challenges that can become obstacles tomorrow.
You should pick up a copy of Canadian Century…read it…then get on over and join our growing CC/FB crew.