Canada Looks Ahead

To more clearly see where Canada is going, it is beneficial to remember from where it has come. Its rich history commemorates, celebrates, and teaches valuable lessons not to be forgotten. Canada's identity has been shaped and ornamented by the contributions of diverse peoples. Referred to as a cultural mosaic, millions of Canadians live side by side, embracing their own and each others' cultures. Legacies of their diverse past continue in the existing traditions, beliefs, and values today.

BLESSINGS AND CHALLENGES

Canada welcomes its diverse immigrant population from many countries. There is an increased mobility of people worldwide. This has necessitated maximal planning for Canada as a destination for those seeking a better way of life. The success of a vigorous immigration program centers on two key factors: Benefits of immigration, such as economic growth and social enrichment, must be balanced with public confidence. This confidence is achieved through effective enforcement of immigration policies so that Canada's generosity will not be abused.

Nunavut's lesson, that aboriginal people can regain and govern their individual hopes and concerns, has offered a model of study for the world. Indigenous populations in Australia, New Zealand, and the Amazon region are discussing their respected places in society because of the self-governing status of Nunavut.

Historically, Canada's blessings of natural resources attracted explorers and investors. Nonrenewable resources such as oil and natural gas provide economic benefits for the country. Renewable resources, such as forests, are also capable of producing nourishment for the economy. Nurturing environmental management of all resources will be a responsibility for ensuring their preservation.

Major financial and social challenges face Canada's national health care system. Rising expenses and expectations, emerging needs, and new technologies contribute to pressures placed on the system. Reductions in federal financial contributions have forced the system to the limit of its ability to adjust. A health care crisis has arisen and urgently needs serious attention to maintain equal access for all—the desire of much of Canada's population.

Canada's desires in the twenty-first century integrate economic, environmental, and social considerations into its decision making.Capitalizing on technological successes will keep Canada competitive in the international marketplace. A knowledgedriven society is replacing the industrial-driven society of the past century or two. With Canada's innovations and developed technologies in use globally, one is never far from the spirit and pride that have made Canada what it is today.

CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL ROLES

Actively supporting human progress in developing countries is an effort Canada will continue to pursue. Assistance in the forms of knowledge and skill training, goods and services, and financial contributions have already occurred. By furthering social and economic progress of countries in transition, Canada advances its democratic and human goals of prosperity.

Educated, healthy, and effectively governed people contribute to a world better tooled to solve problems. The establishment of stronger global economies will facilitate further growth and prosperity for these developing countries and, ultimately, for Canada.

The Canadian government will continue to work with its most important trading partner, the United States. Volleys of cannon and rifle shots have been replaced with volleys of words with regard to salmon, trade, clean water, and clean air. Significantly reducing smog-producing emissions is an environmental agreement that Canada and the United States are cooperatively trying to improve in the coming years.

Maintaining secure and efficient access to each other's markets will be instrumental to the success of future trading initiatives. Peacekeeping roles around the world are a proud record for Canadian forces. Strengthening democracy, justice, and social stability worldwide is Canada's vision of hope. The placement of men and women throughout the world who are daily pursuing this goal is a much-recognized worldview of Canadian strategy.

In the brief passage of time since becoming a confederation, Canada has risen to the rank of G-8 status. These eight most prosperous, privileged countries in the world are active policy makers in global trading and concerns. This G-8 status demonstrates the management of Canada's wealth of abundant resources and diverse intellectual capital of its people.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?

Canada is defined by more than its political boundaries or economic relationships. Knowing what brings Canada together, as well as what divides its people, is a vibrant process in Canadian identity. In the pursuit of this knowledge, one can see the tradition of tolerance that has respected the past and welcomes the future for Canada.