Doug Rogers

It is official – Canada goes to the polls on April 28^th. I am glad it will be a shorter than normal election campaign too.  Let’s get to the point, look at the facts and use our best judgement to do what is best “for the country”.  Given everything happening south of us and to us by our neighbour, we need to unify and collectively:

1. Save our Country – keep it intact. We must act as one. We must mitigate the U.S. attacks.
2. Save our Economy – and grow it to regain Canada’s place as an economic boom nation.
3. Diversify our trade relationships internationally and build needed trade infrastructure.
4. Build up our military & security needs to protect our sovereignty.
5. We must keep our diversity, inclusion and compassion for people.

This means that we need to break down inter-provincial barriers for internal trade and build upon a collective plan versus individual provincial plans. Those provinces who have historically been unfairly treated, need a fair shake federally. So, we need to listen to one another – EAST and WEST, not EAST vs. WEST. We have come too far and accomplished too much and it’s time to get over the internal national divides that prevent us from being prosperous. All provinces have something to give, something to get and something of benefit to the country as a whole.

Let’s capitalize on our natural resources and work with our Indigenous Nations so everyone benefits from the rich, plentiful offerings that Canada has to offer. This includes a fast-track to develop our northern regions to ensure we are protecting our national security interests as the Arctic opens up to shipping and trade routes. It also includes pipelines that are needed in all directions, (east, west, north and southern routes), as well as further research into alternative energy solutions. We need our fossil fuels and the economic benefit they provide to help finance sustainable, future energy models – we can do both. This will also require additional infrastructure with new & existing ports, railways, roads and air facilities.

We also need to build up our military in a significant manner. We have a large country and that requires a large security contingent. Modern times have changed and our need for a more pro-active military presence is required. We can no longer, put-off or delay our security needs; it must be a priority.

These actions need to start happening sooner rather than later. We have to overcome our complacency, our bureaucracies and red-tape and work together to succeed. We can do it.

Doug Rogers