Amidst a backdrop of national challenges, a call for historical reflection and revolutionary change in Canadian leadership

Recent findings from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s “Whole-of-Government Five-Year Trends for Canada” report have painted a stark picture of the nation’s trajectory, suggesting that Canada is on the brink of social and economic collapse. This dire analysis highlights an array of crises including economic stagnation, ecological disasters, and a pervasive erosion of trust in institutions, signalling turbulent times ahead particularly for the younger generation.

The report points to a grim future for many young Canadians under 35, predicting significant challenges in securing homeownership and indicating a widening wealth gap. This has led government advisors to view the youth demographic as a potential national security concern, suggesting a sense of desperation among the nation’s future leaders.

Against this backdrop, the proposed solutions and political leadership, including that of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and potential future leader Pierre Poilievre, seem inadequate to address the root causes of these issues. The critique extends to the overall political and economic direction of the country, where superficial changes are predicted to fail in addressing deep-seated problems.

Michael Cuenco, a writer known for his critical analysis of Canadian politics, argues that the situation calls for a profound reassessment of Canada’s historical mission and identity. He advocates for a revival of what he terms “the Tory conception of the state,” a principle rooted in Canada’s early economic models shaped by the St. Lawrence River system and the fur trade, which historically promoted material expansion through political unity.

This vision contrasts sharply with the individualistic ethos that characterized the neighbouring United States. Cuenco points out that Canada’s development has historically leaned towards a corporate order, prioritizing commercial progress over popular liberty. This approach was embodied by the economic policies of figures like John A. Macdonald and the powerful mercantile interests of his time.

However, the effectiveness of this historical approach is now under scrutiny, as current governance seems unable to harness this legacy to address modern challenges. Cuenco suggests that Canada’s young elites, despite being well-positioned in influential sectors, lack the revolutionary spirit or historical consciousness needed to initiate profound change.

As Canada faces these daunting challenges, the writer calls for a bold reimagining of the country’s governance models. He envisions a new synthesis that could address contemporary issues such as the housing crisis through a national industrial policy reminiscent of Macdonald’s nation-building projects. This would require a significant shift in policy and a reorientation of national goals towards reindustrialization and the restoration of a robust middle class.

Cuenco’s commentary reflects a broader existential crisis about Canadian identity and the future direction of its governance. As the nation grapples with these challenges, the question remains whether the current and next generations of leaders can transcend political and economic orthodoxies to forge a viable path forward for Canada.