JOHN DeMONT: Essential Tasks for a Prime Minister in Turbulent Times

politics

Dear prime minister:

This was advertised as the most significant election in a generation.

We’ll see.

For certain, we can say with assurance that there will be no contesting of our electoral count in the manner that inflicted an unhealed scar upon American society—their trust in democratic processes. Our commitment to democracy remains unwavering, just like our conviction in the integrity of our citizens and our steadfast reliance on the stability of our governing bodies.

Therefore, congratulations are in order. You have successfully navigated the toughest interview process required for any job candidate in this nation. This level of rigor is indeed appropriate.

The most recent Canadian Prime Minister to confront such an array of interconnected challenges was William Lyon Mackenzie King. During his tenure, he had to steer the country through the repercussions of World War I followed by the onset of the Great Depression.

Your compensation, therefore, upon getting ready to enter a well-furnished office at 80 Wellington St., will be a checklist where most of the items are flagged as urgent.

Its length should not astonish you. Just as each leader reiterated time and again during the campaign, using various phrasings: There is an abundance of work ahead due to the significance of the issues involved.

We called for a wartime prime minister — someone who could guide the nation during this critical period when it faces an immediate threat from what many consider the strongest country the world has ever known.

To address those significant philosophical inquiries: What steps should be taken to develop a nation that is more robust and capable of operating independently in terms of economy and military might? And how can we cultivate fresh partnerships to protect against the escalating influence of worldwide authoritarian regimes?

However, one cannot overlook the troubling domestic concerns, ranging from national cohesion to the affordability of sustenance and housing.

These challenges demand bravery. Additionally, they necessitate a steady hand due to their overwhelmingly intricate nature.

Let’s begin at the beginning: Handling relations with the United States and its unpredictable president.

It’s positive to observe that following Justin Trudeau’s stepping down, Donald Trump’s rhetoric has shifted: there have been fewer derogatory remarks about the "leader of the 51st state," along with reduced disdainful attitudes and personal hostility towards the head of another independent country.

However, as we understand, this situation can shift instantly. Given that numerous American foreign policies, such as tariffs, often appear highly personalized, a disagreement between Trump and another nation’s leader could prove extremely detrimental to any country involved.

Therefore, maintain your stance when interacting with the U.S., since Trump exploits vulnerability. However, make sure not to provoke him either. Canada is not China. We do not automatically possess the advantages that Trump might refer to as ‘the cards.’ It’s crucial to use the ones we hold wisely.

Despite this, you can’t act like the world remains unchanged. The former bond we had with our southern neighbor has vanished. You need to plot a fresh direction for us.

This has been done previously. Back during the tenure of Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, Canada actively worked towards strengthening ties with nations outside our usual circle of allies, particularly focusing on improving relationships with China.

We have to repeat this process.

We require fresh trade allies to ensure our export-driven economy isn’t at the mercy of a single individual’s unpredictable behavior. As various countries aim to distance themselves from volatile America, it might be simpler now more than ever to discover these new market opportunities.

We must intensify our efforts to broaden our horizons by finding fresh economic partners. Surveys indicate that Canadians are interested in the idea of becoming part of the European Union, even though this would be challenging to accomplish; however, it might be worthwhile to explore this option and subsequently invest in what they desire and require.

This refers to clean technologies along with established sectors such as crude oil. We’ve seen significant increases in exports of these products to China, as they aim to lessen their reliance on the United States amid an intensifying trade dispute.

It is comforting to observe that both major political contenders during the election campaign concurred on the necessity for constructing additional pipeline networks nationwide. This agreement aims to facilitate access to overseas export markets and diminish our heavy dependence on the U.S., which currently absorbs 90 percent of Canada’s oil exports.

Investing in infrastructure such as ports, railways, and airports will be beneficial since it enhances our supply chains. This makes it simpler for Canadian businesses to obtain and distribute products domestically and engage in commerce internationally.

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We also expect you to fulfill your commitments to enhance our digital infrastructure, especially in rural regions, because reliable high-speed internet and broadband access are crucial for economic growth.

Given that artificial intelligence represents the next major industrial revolution, it’s crucial to develop policies aimed at making Canada a hub for AI innovation, thereby providing another means of reducing our dependence on the United States.

When discussing the United States, their president does have one valid point: We’ve allowed that major power to handle our defense responsibilities more than we ought to have.

What Trump — who often contemplates annexing Canada — rarely acknowledges is that his nation currently appears to provide as much assistance to its historical adversaries such as Russia as it does to its NATO allies.

This implies that to remain independent in this chaotic new world, we might need to invest billions more in our armed forces, possibly exceeding the two percent of national GDP set as the NATO standard.

If viable substitutes for the U.S.-made F-35 stealth fighter jets can be identified, due to clear circumstances, these should definitely be obtained.

Election pledges to enhance security and sovereignty in the North must be honored, considering the heightened interest from Russia and China in the area.

We get it; with the looming presence of Trump’s threats, the recent election primarily focused on global issues. However, we need you to also pay attention domestically since Canadians are facing challenges at home.

Canada’s housing crisis understandably became a key topic during the election. Each party pledged to construct additional homes.

You must follow through with these commitments to develop additional affordable living solutions and address the skyrocketing rents that pose challenges for typical Canadians trying to secure shelter.

We recognize that maintaining the well-being of Canadians falls under provincial jurisdiction on a daily basis. Nonetheless, we require you to confirm that the funds provided to these provinces are utilized appropriately, ensuring that our renowned publicly funded healthcare system continues as the standard approach.

However, we also require additional elements such as an increase in healthcare professionals, making certifications obtained abroad easily recognized in Canada; improved hospital facilities (once more focusing on infrastructure); and extended telehealth services. These enhancements can boost accessibility, decrease waiting periods, and lower overall healthcare expenses.

Commitments were made to boost the number of physicians and enhance mental health services, especially for young people and residents in remote regions. Do not discard these concepts.

Similar to the dental care and universal pharmacare initiatives that were implemented as part of the confidence-and-supply agreement between Justin Trudeau’s Liberal administration and the NDP, these programs must be maintained and possibly enlarged. This is necessary because they help lessen the impact of long-term illnesses.

However, you should not cease at this point.

As Canada experiences rapid demographic changes with an increasingly older population compared to numerous other industrialized countries, what would be the implications of covering the complete expense of hearing aids like they do in the United Kingdom, where the National Health Service assumes the total cost?

How about implementing strategies to encourage greater physical activity, such as offering a universal tax credit for gym memberships? This could help address issues related to obesity and other factors impacting overall health.

Now that the Liberals have eliminated the contentious consumer carbon tax prior to calling the election, climate change largely faded from the discussion. This needs to shift.

Canada has committed to reducing carbon emissions by 40-45 percent by the year 2030, compared to the 2005 baseline. However, as of 2023, the decrease in carbon output stood at just 8.5 percent.

Converting this nation into an "energy superpower," as stated by one political leader throughout the election, could pose difficulties for achieving those targets. Nonetheless, we must advance considerably in that area since people across Canada are experiencing the effects of climate change firsthand.

Additional pipelines will certainly help reduce the discussions in Alberta and Saskatchewan about potentially joining the United States. However, you should not place excessive importance on the idea of a unity crisis within Canada. In fact, President Trump’s threats generally had a unifying effect on the nation.

An Angus Reid poll conducted in early April indicated that if a separation referendum were held today, one in four Albertans would opt for secession. However, the survey further revealed that support for this idea was even more pronounced in 2019 following the cancellation of the Energy East pipeline project.

A method to maintain a unified Canada is to serve as a prime minister for all Canadians. Each region within this province has specific requests.

Nova Scotians count on you to utilize every available tool within the government’s purview—legislative, legal, political, and fiscal—to facilitate the removal of inter-provincial trade barriers.

It is also about time for a federal administration to negotiate a just fishery agreement with First Nations communities, ensuring that fishing regulations in the area can be effectively and fairly implemented, thereby putting an end to the lawless, Wild West atmosphere in these regions.

Sure, include that in your list as well. Today is meant for celebration. Afterward, it’s time to dive into your tasks.

Best of luck. More so than perhaps any other prime minister in this nation’s history, you will require it.