Alive and Well

I am alive and well. My last post was just before the Canadian election. It was the Soft Power instalment of my Canada Serenity Prayer series. I did start to write a third instalment about investment in national defence or Hard Power. But then, the election was over and it has been a whirlwind ever since so I have given up trying to keep the pace.

But before moving on…..

Dependence, Independence, Interdependence

I wish I could claim this theory of relationships, but I can’t. An old friend and client shared it with me when we were discussing families.

Dependence is…..

That stage of a relationship where one party is  largely dependent on another. This dependence can come about from any number of circumstances, or it can evolve through time. Canada let itself become largely dependent on its southern neighbour, both economically and for its defence. This type of relationship works well as long as benevolence doesn’t turn to malevolence (and insult) as it did on January 20,2025. 

Independence

The  fight to be independent is tough. It leads to turbulent times, increasing acrimony, retaliation, and the dissolution of the little intricate associations that made the bigger partnership work.  Ideally, all this negative energy can be refocussed on projects and initiatives that realize on Canada’s strengths. I have written about the Mid-Canada Corridor and required investment in Soft Power. Canada can’t let Europe be the only beneficiaries of the US brain drain. 

And National Defence – when I first started thinking about the never-to-be-published post on this subject,  the NATO spending goal was 2%, probably moving to 3%. Now we are committed to 5%. Canada will needs a smart defence investment strategy to make the most of this commitment.

Interdependence 

The ideal state which may not be possible until both parties have established their capacity to be independent.  And, both parties come to realize  that it is in the common interest to collaborate. 

I Try Not To Watch Too Much News

So, I am going back to writing about cities and things that amuse me and occasionally infuriate me. It may be the latter that will convince you that I am alive and well.

The men the American people admire most extravagantly are the most daring liars; the men they detest most violently are those who try to tell them the truth.

H.L. Mencken 1880 -1956