The Premiers and the Prime Minister just had an optimistic meeting in Saskatoon to discuss potential natural resource and infrastructure projects designed to strengthen the economy and national unity. This is a long overdue, positive development. Premier Doug Ford of Ontario accurately commented that it was probably the best federal-provincial meeting in 10 years.
No possible projects were officially disclosed, but pipelines, ports, and mining are among the favourites. These are all good things. The Canadian inferiority complex of thinking big projects are something beyond our capability needs to end. The amount of bureaucracy involved with getting big things done in Canada must be reduced. However, national projects should not be expedited without adequately considering environmental protection and Indigenous interests. There are also other projects besides pipelines and mines that should be considered important for national economic and social cohesion.
Rail transportation—both for passengers and freight, is in abysmal condition. The Alto high-speed rail project that the federal government is planning for southern Ontario and Québec is an excellent plan to provide fast service in the most densely populated part of the country, but there should be a high-speed passenger service across the entire country. East of Montréal and northwest from Toronto, VIA passenger service is even slower and logistically inconvenient for travelers than it is in the busy Windsor to Québec City corridor. Improved freight rail transportation would also make it easier to transport more items across the country quickly. Rail is a more environmentally responsible and logistically practical option for long-distance travel and transportation of raw materials and finished goods. That said, there will always be a place for truck transportation to ensure materials are delivered to and from rail terminals.
Better highways are needed on a national scale to also facilitate efficient and safe transportation. Only Québec and New Brunswick have main routes of the Trans-Canada Highway that are four lanes or more across both provinces. And, there is a sad inconsistency of Trans-Canada signage, particularly in Ontario and Québec.
Economic projects are foundational because a strong economy is a vital part of the foundation of any country. However, we cannot imagine that other problems in Canadian society will disappear and everyone will be happy once pipelines are built or mine shafts are sunk. There is a sense of restless malaise and deep dissatisfaction among a significant segment of the population. This discontent is most evident on social media. The crisis of opinion is probably the most difficult one to address. If the government does anything, it could appear preachy and condescending. It would only embolden the people who are perpetually displeased with government. If the government does nothing, it will disappoint those who think government intervention is the solution for everything.
If we are truly serious about unifying the country, we need a solution that builds a sense of common objectives and ideals across a broad section of the population to complement any plans for pipelines and mines.
