Mathieu, I definitely appreciate the realities re: the pop and power differential. As Shane points out though, we do need to find a way to take this continental relationship to the next level.

One point I’d like to make is that as a country in this continent, Canada has managed to leverage its position and geography in the old economy, in no small part through natural resource contributions. As things shift, and the U.S. begins to trend away from a system that’s dependent on manufacturing-type jobs, Canada’s youth are in a distinct position to innovate some of the human/information resource contributions that are bound to become necessary. The dynamic of the relationship can remain the same, but the content of it will no doubt shift. With the Federal budget looming, we will see what climate our government will set in engaging this great opportunity for young Canadians to get their ideas out.

I wholeheartedly agree with you. To do this though we need to integrate North America while being culturally distinct. Similar to what the European Union has accomplished. There will be no sharing of idea and ideals in North American until there is strong labour mobility between the US and Canada. People need to travel and live in other places to experience life in other peoples shoes. Currently the US is too paranoid and Canada has too little national self esteem to let this happen, but hopefully Obama can dare us to join together.