Open Canada: A Global Positioning Strategy For A Networked Age a recent report from the Canadian International Council has challenged Canadians to push the reset button, to look at ourselves realistically and unapologetically and to see the potential others see in us. The Report's confident authors see game changing, geo-political and economic developments creating a world of challenge but also opportunity for Canada if we embrace bold and confident policies. A critical observation in the Report is that we need not be on top, but aiming to be in the centre (of networks) and we need to avoid false and unnecessary dichotomies which have hobbled us and distracted us for decades. Forget war making vs peace keeping, energy vs environment. Avoid these zero sum and dead end choices which see public policy lurch back and forth and back again. Canadians need to learn to "walk and chew gum at the same time".

When someone looks at something with fresh eyes, pay attention. In that regard, the Chapter on the Artic is impressive, calling for Canada to stop playing the old sovereignty game at the top of the world but rather use its geographic presence there to play an influence and networking game. More striking than specific recommendations (many of which I support), is the attitude of confidence evident throughout this seminal CIC Report. This attitude is refreshing and so un-typically Canadian. My concern has been that we have devolved from (as Andrew Cohen said), "a country that dares not speak its name" to a country that does not speak at all, where the significant issues are not even discussed. We should be grateful to the panel for speaking eloquently, confidently and forcefully about economic, social and geo-political issues. The Report is a forceful counter point to the narrow, hopeless and frightening world of the religious right which Marci McDonalds describes in The Armageddon Factor. In that world, all is pre-ordained, all has been written. Canadians should want to live in the world of open possibility which the Report describes. Bravo to the authors of the CIC Report. In the narrower place some want Canada to become, your voice will need to be heard.

Barry R. Campbell is a former MP and President of Campbell Strategies