My response (Examiner, Jan. 24) to a "Sound Off" by John Etsches of the preceding weekend has brought home to me the fact that Canadians, many of them at any rate, are oblivious to the realities of a world in which we find ourselves. Here are a few of those realities:
1. By an accident of history, we occupy, if that is the word, the second largest land mass on earth. Yet our total population is less than that of Mexico City. For centuries the vast expanses of our north have been guarded for us, free of charge, by what might euphemistically be called "inclement weather. " It is now clear from a number of signs that that is going to be no longer the case. That vast and little known, expanse of the earth's surface that is northern Canada is a potential treasure trove of mineral wealth. We can be sure that there will be people other than Canadians seeking to develop them. How will we stay in control?
2. Quite aside from mineral wealth, Canada possesses 10 per cent of the world's flowing fresh water. Our population is less than one half a per cent of the population of a thirsty world. It is obvious that some kind of equitable arrangement will have to be made regarding our fresh water. Despite the screams of Maud Barlow and her ilk, the only course open to us is to negotiate, perhaps to our advantage, perhaps not, arrangements with those in need of our water. This must be done sooner rather than later. These arrangements must be government to government. The matter is too important to be left in private hands. (Simon Reisman, do you hear me?)
3. In the Alberta Tar Sands we have what appears to be one of the last major sources of oil. The United States and The Peoples' Republic of China are already maneuvering for control of this resource. Can we be sure that Canadian interests will be considered? Will our interests coincide with those of the United States? Will they coincide with China's? What are they ?
4. We share with the United States 3,000 miles of border, along with common origins, a similar culture, and a common language. Until recently, the United States has been the unquestioned dominant power, economically, culturally, and militarily in the world. The signs are that that may soon be no longer the case.
China's industrial productivity will outstrip the U.S. any day now. This is a matter well known to investors in the financial world. There is every indication that China will be the next superpower. She is already looking to project power abroad. Her naval fleet is more numerous than that of the United States, though of lower tonnage, and she is engaged in a major program of building, particularly submarines.
In view of considerations of this kind, the reputation we have enjoyed as a "peaceable kingdom" may in reality be a thing of the past. In many ways, we are Pierre Trudeau's mouse, caught between the hulks of two enormous animals. Our relatively brief life as a free and independent country may have been a temporary gift of circumstance. In the real world around us we will have many difficult decisions and choices to make. It will not be a time for dreaming.
Kim Krenz is a former research associate in military sociology at Trent University and lives in Lakefield.Peterborough Examiner
