What does it mean to be Canadian? If you’ve ever asked yourself that question and thought about it, I’m betting you found there’s no good answer. Individually, it’s hard to define what my identity is as a Canadian. Pancakes? Beavers? Maple syrup?
Economically, Canada is the globe’s resource prostitute: it’s always there, ready to provide, and it’s always cheap. As the global economy grows, and the future looks bleaker in terms of energy, we need a plan, despite not knowing who “we” are exactly. Canada currently depends on exporting its resources to stay afloat, but what will transpire when resources can no longer be used?
Canada is supposed to be the land of the “true north strong and free,” but I don’t see much freedom. I see governments that rely on a shock doctrine to achieve their goals, and I see an economy that’s owned primarily by foreign companies.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with foreign companies coming to Canada; it’s just that the profits earned through those ventures don’t make it to Canadian citizens’ pockets. It’s depressing to see that as we advance into the future, the value of social support expectations erode. You’d think we’d be more advanced socially as our economies grow. Truthfully, there’s really not much sovereignty left.
Harper recently passed the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA). If you haven’t heard of it, look into it, because it’s going to change our lives as Canadians. And it won’t be for the better.
On the surface, CETA is promoted to bring prosperity to Canadians, but in practice these trade agreements give unprecedented power to corporations that aren’t required to consider Canadian citizens’ welfare. Hence the current slump we are in.
With a future that holds resource prostitution as its golden egg, and trade agreements as its saviour, where does that leave Canadians?