There are times in a country’s history when the need for unity becomes clear for all to see. Right now, Canada is living through one of those moments.
We are facing a convergence of multiple global threats to our country. First, world powers are battling for supremacy in ways that challenge Canada’s sovereignty. Second, our biggest trading partners are weaponizing that trade against us, leading to tariffs that threaten jobs across Canada. Finally, the worst energy crisis in modern history is exacerbating affordability challenges for all Canadians.
At a time like this, we have a choice. Canadians can focus on what divides us, or we can come together around what unites us and build a stronger Canada.
Canada Has What the World Needs
Everywhere I go, I hear the same thing: Canada has what the world needs.
We have energy. We have critical minerals. We have forests. We have unparalleled civilian nuclear expertise. We have one of the world’s most skilled workforces; institutions that are the envy of the world; and world-class environmental standards. Finally, we have geographic good fortune, with access to global markets via three oceans.
But if Canada wants to emerge from this crisis stronger, simply having these advantages is not enough. Team Canada must pull together and put our differences aside to ensure we can come out of this time of volatility and uncertainty more prosperous, resilient and sovereign.
A Minister of National Unity
That is why, as your Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, I have come to see my role in another way, too — as a kind of “minister of national unity.”
I grew up in a Royal Canadian Air Force family, moving across the country from small towns like Gypsumville, Man., and Barrington Passage, N.S., to cities like Winnipeg and Markham-Thornhill, to forestry communities like Holberg, B.C., and energy-producing regions across Western Canada. I have also lived and worked abroad, in too many countries to list.
Having experienced Canada from coast to coast to coast, and viewed it from afar, I can say with certainty that Canada is the best country in the world. Of course, we can pick and choose individual things about other countries to admire, but — taken as a whole — I would always choose Canada, hands down.
Strength in Diversity
Canada is not perfect, but we are a country where the strength and diversity of every province, territory and community contributes to something larger than itself. When we unite, our regional and cultural diversity makes us stronger.
The same is true for our energy and natural resources. Our resources are not just economic assets — they are the foundation of who we are. They help us provide for our families, deliver prosperity in our towns and cities, and fund our public services. Every part of our country plays a role, complementing one another. We have vast energy resources in our western and Atlantic provinces. We are fortunate to operate some of the world’s best hydro projects. We have built some of the safest nuclear assets in the world in Ontario and New Brunswick. And the territories are home to some of the best mining opportunities anywhere on Earth.
