Nation Building for 2050 or 1950?

The rush for nation-building projects is on. Pipelines, power grids and ports are popular proposals by premiers and corporate executives – all of them 3-P projects (public-private partnerships) – with the promise of federal funding and expedited approvals on the table. They are positioned to foster hope for a strong Canada in the face of Trump’s threats. What is not to like? What could go wrong?

I want to be hopeful, but when I listen carefully, the talk about national projects sounds more like it belongs to post-WWII than the second half of the 21st century. It reflects more of the old approach to economic stimulus in a consumption-based, market-driven economy than transformation to the kind of economy our grandchildren need to thrive. Before rushing to build, build, build, it might be good to pause and ask a few questions.

What is not on the lists?

Giving every child a good education is not on any list – but most agree it is essential for Canada’s future success. Covid showed us that the care economy is essential. It is not on any list. In fact, human services are once again being portrayed as drags on the economy, to be reduced in favour of physical infrastructure and technology. Investing in a stronger democracy is not on any list, while quick approvals of projects pushed by corporate lobbyists are likely to erode public trust. Canada was making some progress toward a more integrated approach to economic and social development; that seems to be forgotten in a return to trickle-down, neo-liberal approaches that have been widely critiqued as unsustainable. The shift is disguised in the language of fast versus slow, which discourages asking questions.

While the language of the Carney government’s criteria for nation-building projects shows some learning, especially for Indigenous justice, the old faith in economic growth seems to dominate the lists of proposals on the table. Outcomes will depend on what weight is given to each of the following criteria: strengthen Canada’s autonomy, resilience and security; provide economic or other benefits to Canada; have a high likelihood of successful execution; advance the interests of Indigenous Peoples; and contribute to clean growth and to Canada’s objectives with respect to climate change.

What builds a nation?

The textbook definition of nation-building is strengthening national identity, social cohesion and unification for political stability. Do highways, ports and pipelines define and unite Canada? In most surveys, Canadians put the Charter of Rights and Freedoms higher than any piece of physical infrastructure, when asked what is valued about Canada. Future threats are more likely to be ideologies like Trumpism than a lack of resources.

I find it interesting to compare the criteria in the One Canadian Economy Act with global priorities for nation-building development assistance. Five priorities for assistance include: share resources; promote education; empower women; strengthen strategic political relationships; and reform systems of food and basic aid distribution.

Does it matter what building projects are selected? A lot of public resources and attention will go into whatever projects are selected, at the cost of other priorities. Some of the proposed projects respond to genuine needs; but, without justice and social cohesion, whatever building projects emerge as winners in the current bidding wars will fall short of building a nation that can endure. The Bible tells me so.