Globalization Versus the Nation State

Whispering in the Wind (WITW41) August 20, 2014

I’ve been an enthusiastic observer of Canadian politics for many, many years and in those years I have always viewed political matters through a more conventional, conservative set of rose colored eye-glasses.  In a strange, idealistic way I thought that it was up to the business sector, the entrepreneurs of this great country to provide the jobs and a taxation base to fund the country’s admired public services.  And if left alone, the commercial sector would continue to provide the necessary steam to keep the economy chugging along in a positive direction.  As to the role of government in commercial matters, the elected lawmakers were there to monitor and regulate business activity and only do overseeing to the extent that business was operating in the national interest.  The rationale and reasoning just described was more than adequate for politicians in the 1960s and 70s and totally inadequate for the 21^st century’s globalized world.        

Growth of Globalization –

Globalization has evolved over the past fifty years to become the guiding principle of doing business internationally and has greatly influenced how business is being conducted domestically.  Canada had (and still has) the opportunity to become a major international player in the energy field but lacks the political tools to accomplish this achievable goal.  The first step is to cooperatively develop a national energy strategy that includes a meaningful national environment strategy.

Nation Building –

Nation Building is the antithesis of globalization, so building a stronger, more sustainable nation is not going to be an easy task in light of globalization and the monstrous grip it has on international, unregulated commerce and finance.  In my view there are two big issues facing Canada if it wants to build a stronger, more independent nation – and it will be up to our political leaders to see it through.  First, integrating the aboriginal groups into Canada’s multicultural fabric and allowing these aboriginal cultures to truly flourish in the 21^st century. Prime Minister Harper has some good ideas but totally misjudged and did not account for the more militant, more dependant reserve chiefs.  And secondly, allow the Quebecois culture to grow and flourish in the province of Quebec and the rest of Canada.  The sentiments for separation in Quebec are at a low but Quebecers are patiently waiting to see what happens in next month’s referendum vote in Scotland – Decision day in Scotland is September 18.  As to strengthening Canada’s governance system and its institutions – making the Senate a chamber of sober, second thought; making the Supreme Court more effective in protecting the constitution; making parliament more transparent and accountable for its actions; and being more cooperative with the provinces in pursuing national goals – let’s wait for our politicians to determine and explain how they would deal with globalization and how they would build a stronger more sustainable nation state?