Empathy, Sentiment, and Elbows Up: Why Canada Needs a Real Economic Policy


In recent years, Canadian politics has become increasingly dominated by the language of empathy, sentiment, and — at times — confrontation. Leaders speak movingly about supporting struggling families, protecting workers, standing up to foreign adversaries, and defending Canadian values. These messages resonate emotionally, but they miss the mark where it matters most: the economy.

Let us be clear: empathy is not a sustainable economic policy.

Of course, we should care about our neighbours. Of course, government should support the vulnerable and ensure no one is left behind. But good intentions do not create jobs, attract investment, or raise productivity. Empathy without a plan leads only to mounting deficits, declining competitiveness, and a growing sense of frustration among the very people it claims to help.

Sentiment is not a sustainable economic policy either.

We often hear talk about “protecting Canadian industries” or “preserving Canadian identity” in the face of globalization and change. But romanticizing the past does not prepare us for the future. Sentiment may win applause in the short term, but it won’t build the housing we need, improve our productivity, or position Canada to thrive in a world defined by technology, trade, and rapid change.

And finally, “elbows up” is not a sustainable economic policy.

Posturing, protectionism, and aggressive rhetoric — whether against provinces, businesses, or trading partners — may signal toughness, but it rarely delivers results. The global economy rewards collaboration, innovation, and competitiveness, not empty bravado.

What Canada needs is what it has lacked for too long: a clear, coherent, and courageous economic vision.

We need policies that make Canada a place where businesses want to invest and grow, where workers can find good jobs and earn rising wages, where young people can afford homes and raise families. That means cutting red tape, investing in skills and productivity, supporting innovation, fixing our housing crisis, and building critical infrastructure. It means making tough choices and focusing on outcomes, not optics.

Empathy is admirable. Sentiment is understandable. Even elbows have their place at times. But without a foundation of sound, evidence-based economic policy, these things are little more than theatre.

Canada cannot afford to keep drifting on good feelings and tough talk. It is time to replace slogans with strategy — and start building an economy that works, not just a story that sells.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

CALLING FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM IS NOT ANTI-IMMIGRANT

Image
In Canada today, we are witnessing a growing narrative that blames the increasing population for various social problems—rising housing costs, overburdened healthcare, and crumbling infrastructure. What’s more troubling is the subtle suggestion that these issues are the fault of immigrants, without outright saying so. This narrative has roots in long-standing tactics that rile people up against newcomers while avoiding direct confrontation with the values of diversity and inclusion that Canada upholds. While this perspective may resonate with some, it distorts the reality of what many Canadians are asking for when they call for immigration reform. It is a dangerous oversimplification to conflate critiques of the immigration system with anti-immigrant sentiment. The fact is, immigration has been—and continues to be—an essential driver of Canada's economic and social development. Our country’s prosperity has been significantly shaped by the talents, labor, and innovation that immigra...
Read more

Is the State Nurturing Irresponsibility to Justify Social Spending?

Image
 In our society, actions have consequences, and it's a fundamental principle that has long been a pillar of social order. When people take responsibility for their actions, they contribute to a more functional community. However, there is an unsettling trend in which the state seems to be actively minimizing the consequences of individuals' decisions, raising questions about the role of social spending and the motives behind it. We understand that it is part of a humane society to ensure that those who make mistakes, especially those who are vulnerable, have a safety net to fall back on. We also recognize that a society cannot thrive if it fails to provide opportunities for individuals to rehabilitate and re-enter the workforce or community life. However, the balance between compassionate support and encouraging accountability is delicate. When the balance tips too far towards removing consequences, the outcome can foster irresponsibility. One cannot help but notice the growing...
Read more

Rethinking Immigration: The Need for an Economic Perspective

Image
In recent years, the discourse surrounding immigration in the Western world has become polarized, often dominated by moral arguments that frame the debate in terms of right and wrong. Proponents of immigration emphasize the virtues of inclusivity and compassion, while opponents are frequently dismissed as xenophobic or lacking empathy. This binary framing, however, obscures the critical need to address immigration as an economic and policy issue. Without a pragmatic, balanced approach, Western nations risk undermining their own social and economic stability. The benefits of immigration are undeniable. Immigrants contribute to the labor force, stimulate innovation, and often fill gaps in sectors experiencing worker shortages. Many economies rely on the energy and skills of immigrants to sustain growth and address demographic challenges like aging populations. However, framing the immigration debate solely in moral terms—suggesting that it is inherently good and opposition inherently bad...
Read more