NEW - Unity, Defence, and the Path Forward

Shane Hewitt and Lori Williams (an associate professor at Mount Royal University), agree that significant differences exist between the eastern and western regions of Canada, stemming from variations in political culture and economic policies. While acknowledging shared Canadian values, they highlight Western frustration regarding feeling ignored and disadvantaged by Eastern-centric policies, citing examples like the disproportionate impact of emissions caps on the oil and gas industry and the historical perception of Western provinces as politically insignificant. Although Western separatism sentiment exists, Williams believes the dominant feeling is one of anger and frustration rather than outright secession. She suggests that addressing these concerns through meaningful dialogue and acknowledging the historical grievances is crucial for fostering national unity and building a more inclusive Canada. The conversation emphasizes the need for both federal and provincial governments to collaborate, including Indigenous communities, to address Western concerns and capitalize on the current opportunity to strengthen national unity.

Military expert and a senior fellow at MLI, Richard Shimooka joins Shane Hewitt to highlight Canada's struggles with defense procurement. The process is far more complex than civilian purchasing, demanding cutting-edge technology to counter evolving threats, a process Canada excelled at historically but now struggles with due to a focus on political risk aversion and industrial benefits. This has resulted in lengthy, costly processes that hinder military readiness and morale. Shimooka advocates for a more proactive approach, including strategic partnerships and calculated risks to strengthen domestic supply chains and technological capabilities, and emphasizes empowering skilled professionals within the Department of National Defence to improve efficiency and innovation.