We are fortunate in Canada to still retain a modicum of decency in our relations with one another but we aren’t immune to the rising tide of populism that is engulfing the world.
Funny term that, populism, it seems to imply that the racism and “othering” is a “popular” movement.
Alberta is threatening to leave. premiers are either limbering up to get in the ring with Trudeau or hiding behind him and on we go.
Isn’t this really about money though? Isn’t the question, "how do we keep Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland solvent when (in the not too distant future) oil has the same value as horseshoes or hay?"
Of course, a mixture of retraining, innovation, entrepreneurial support and immigration are the answers but we also need systemic efficiencies in order to save money, decrease duplication, and have a truly national system that works for us all.
As it is we are saddled with a bunch of not-really countries with multiple duplicates of government systems and government businesses (liquor boards just being one example).
Surely it’s time to look at not just tinkering with inter-provincial barriers to beer sales but one government, one Canada.
I for one would welcome a national health care system, a Canadian driving license and the erasure of the soviet style booze cans (NLLC, SAQ, LCBO etc.) and that’s just a start.
Bill Radford,
St John’s
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