Canada Re-Imagined

Recent developments in the exploration for natural hydrogen may offer Canada an alternative to fossil fuels, a transition that allows the oil and gas industry to thrive in a green future.  Standing in the way.... politics.

Canada's transportation systems are a mess... costly, congested, carbon unfriendly... and too often reliant on American leadership.  This can change. The door is open for Canada to work with British and European regulators to create a new industry that will make the entire transportation system greener, cheaper, and less crowded. .

Original air date March 2023. For a multitude of reasons, all Canadians should support a Grand Bargain with Canada's Indigenous and Metis.  In the bargain, the original Canadians would be offered self-government within a new Canadian province.  They would own all Crown Land, federal and provincial, and all the resources. In return, they would have the burden of responsibility.  

In the previous episode I tried to anticipate trends leading to the United States 2028 elections.  My hope for American democracy is that the progressive forces will then take control of government. That, however, is just the beginning.  It will be time for them to renovate their constitution. 

The Second American Civil War looks at how the coming three years may unfold in the United States, and why  democracy will likely survive.  All this, with a Canadian twist. 

Previous episodes explored how Canada's obsolete Constitution makes it hard to run an efficient and effective government, especially in the face of American aggression. The Unmarked Path ties these issues together, and argues that constitutional renovation may be the best tool to unite Canadians in a new Confederation. 

In his famous Davos speech in January, Mark Carney recognized the rupture in the global order, and the challenges it presents. He argued that middle power democracies like Canada must band together. This concept aligns perfectly with the concept of nation-building projects that create jobs and revenue.  After all, our allies will need natural resources. But the path to success will not be straight...

Youth unemployment in Canada is at record highs. There is a lot for younger generations to worry about, and not just the big stuff like democracy or climate. What job will AI not replace? Who dares start a family? Can you ever afford a house?   Episode 4: The Brain Race , will explore some ideas on education, the future of work, and policies that might just help.

Health care in Canada is a mess. It is also one of the largest sectors of the economy. In this episode, I will make the case that our antiquated constitution is a major reason why we don’t get the quality we pay for. There is a solution.

The world has endured a miserable year of Trump. Canada has a new Prime Minister, and a new budget.  Canadians need Mr. Carney to succeed. He is our war leader.  But a number of obstacles are likely to screw up his plans.  

1:  The Third Solitude   I’m Patrick Esmonde-White. Welcome to the trailer for Canada Re-imagined , season three: After the Cataclysm . For those new to my podcasts, these are audio essays that run a bit over 20 minutes, all part of a connected story arc.   2025 is finally over. American democracy is in freefall. The drums of war are pounding. The global economy is tottering. The planet burns. The...

Coming Sunday January 18th, an eight episode season of Canada Re-Imagine d.   Join me weekly. Here's a taste!

The western alliance is in ashes. The United States cannot be trusted. To survive, Canada must work with allies, especially Europe, and fan the embers of a New Commonwealth of democracies.  Democracy can be re-invented. World Federalism must be the ultimate goal.

Canada’s antique Constitution makes good government impossible. It needs radical renovation. Ending interprovincial trade barriers is just the start. Canada must explore the advantage of Québec becoming an independent nation within a cooperative framework, allowing both to thrive. 

Renewable industries … forestry, farming and fishing … all can help fight climate change and create sustainable economic opportunities. In a Trump trade war, Canada must reinvent these industries to be self-sufficient, and greener. 

Green mining can’t happen without Indigenous support. The time has come to offer a Grand Bargain to First Nations: all Crown land, and resource revenue, to create an Indigenous self-governed province.  The catch: the province will need resource revenue urgently.  

To attract investment into green mining, Canada must cut the cost of energy, transportation and labour. The industry must be re-invented. Micro-nuclear reactors, heavy lift airships, robotics… the solutions are close at hand. 

Good government costs money, and heaven knows Canada needs more income, even as we end the oil age. Canadians can look north to become wealthy. The resources to get rich are there only if we do it right.

Canada must have a ‘conscious uncoupling’ from our former partner in security, the United States.  Here are five keys to a totally different defense strategy. Want a hint?  How about a Climate Corps instead of a tank corps.

Which of the three superpowers poses the greatest risk to Canada? We can go through the different threats. Sadly, you already know the answer.

When Trump moved into the White House, the neighbourhood went bad. To survive the civil war next door, Canada needs a plan.  It starts by understanding the weaknesses of the enemy.

If we know what we want Canada to be like in 75 years, we can plan how to get there. Canada has the tools to build peace, order and good government. They must be sharpened, and used in the fight for survival. Elbows up!

Between Trump and climate change, things look bad. Is there a  path forward that does not lead to peril for Canada?  Tune in to “Canada Re-Imagined: After Trump” for an idealists’ guide to the future. Ten episodes will follower the next two weeks.

How might Canada re-invent national security to face future threats? Six recommendations, including a new Climate Corps. Some elements of this archival podcast have been overtaken by events.

Canada’s defense is in a shambles, preparing poorly for the last war. A fresh approach is to examine military priorities in terms of risk management. Some elements of this archival podcast have been overtaken by events.