Canada and the challenges of globalization: a glass half empty, or half full?

Abstract

This special issue on Canada and the challenges of globalization since 1968 arises from a conference held in Ottawa to mark the publication in 2017 of the third volume in the official history of Canada's department of external affairs: innovation and adaptation, 1968-84 (U of Toronto Press). Technological change, trade liberalisation, and a steadily expanding international agenda after 1968 heralded the arrival of globalization and placed External Affairs under great stress during the 1970s as it struggled to adapt. This collection explores Canada's experiences with some of the key political, economic, security, and social themes associated with globalization after 1968. Rooted in a long and deep fifty-year perspective, these articles suggest that the changes wrought by globalization will not be easily undone despite today's raging torrents of nationalist populism and economic protectionism. The challenges that confront Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government are hardly new, and will demand the same kind of frustrating and endless processes of innovation and adaptation that have characterized policymaking over the last fifty years.

Canada needs a “Health in All Policies” action plan now

“…Some have argued that Canadian medicare 1 suffers a relative inertia in the face of broader social trends, making it difficult to change or build on. 2 Since medicare was established, Canadians have experienced increased migration and cultural diversity, 3 the transformation of family structures and gender roles, 4 globalization, substantial changes to the economy 5 and, in recent years, the growing threats of climate change. Each of these factors should have prompted program adjustments and shifts in policy.…”