Canada has always had a complex relationship with its giant neighbor to the south. America is Canada's main threat, but also its protector, and its main export market.
Canada's existence is defined by dependence on the U.S.
Canada's existence is defined by dependence on the U.S.
A few years ago it looked like the relationship between Canada and America would be rosy forever more.
But Trump is putting the lie to that happy illusion. American power and unpredictability will continue to be a threat that Canada must deal with.
But Trump is putting the lie to that happy illusion. American power and unpredictability will continue to be a threat that Canada must deal with.
In order to reduce its fundamental economic and military dependence on America, Canada needs one thing.
It needs to be a more populous country.
It needs to be a more populous country.
Fortunately, Canada might have a way to make this happen.
Immigration.
Immigration.
Some nations let in immigrants grudgingly, to do menial jobs.
Some let them in because keeping them out is too hard.
But for Canada, multiculturalism just might be part of its national identity.
Some let them in because keeping them out is too hard.
But for Canada, multiculturalism just might be part of its national identity.
It is not yet clear whether Canada will be able to fully escape the nativist backlashes that have convulsed much of the Western world, and keep immigration going strong without a pause.
But it seems to have a better chance of doing so than any other country.
But it seems to have a better chance of doing so than any other country.
One big reason Canada might be succeeding at avoiding a nativist backlash could be that it focuses strongly on skilled immigration - thus removing any economic reason to worry about a flood of newcomers.
Obviously, most of Canada is now very cold.
But global warming is going to change that. Even as much of the world becomes less hospitable, Canada will become more so.
But global warming is going to change that. Even as much of the world becomes less hospitable, Canada will become more so.
If immigration allows Canada to go from a small country to a medium or medium-large sized country, it could give the economy a huge boost, thanks to industrial clustering and agglomeration effects.
Large-scale skilled immigration will only enhance this effect.
Large-scale skilled immigration will only enhance this effect.
Deciding to pursue a "Great Canada" strategy is a momentous choice. Canada's leaders should be thinking about this now, making far-sighted plans, and making sure they get the details right.
But it seems like the only option if Canada is to no longer be "America's hat".
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But it seems like the only option if Canada is to no longer be "America's hat".
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