Special Edition.

Canada Must Bolster Internal Leadership to Play a Stronger Role on the World Stage

CALGARY — As global tensions rise and economic uncertainties mount, Canada must address its internal leadership challenges to strengthen its position on the world stage. That was the key message at a recent KEI Network dinner in Calgary, convened to discuss Canada’s sovereignty and its evolving relationship with the United States.

Facilitated by Perry Kinkaide, the session featured Bill Jones, an economist and international consultant, who provided an in-depth analysis of U.S. strategic policies under the Trump administration. Rather than focusing on former President Donald Trump’s persona, the discussion centered on the broader objectives of U.S. policy and the implications for Canada’s economic and security future.

Jones argued that the U.S. is undergoing a fundamental geopolitical shift—one he described as “Fortress America.” This shift signals a move toward economic and military self-reliance, a scaled-back global engagement, and an expectation that allies, including Canada, take greater responsibility for their own economic and defense policies. The implications for Canada, he suggested, are profound.

Canada’s Key Challenges: Internal Barriers to Global Strength. Throughout the discussion, several pressing domestic issues were identified as obstacles to Canada’s ability to assert itself internationally:

• Economic Cohesion: Interprovincial trade barriers continue to hinder economic unity, costing the nation an estimated 5% of its GDP.
• Northern Development: Canada’s Arctic remains underdeveloped, requiring significant infrastructure investment to secure sovereignty and unlock economic potential.
• Security and Sovereignty: Growing geopolitical competition over Arctic resources and trade routes demands a more robust defense strategy.
• Cross-Border Crime: Drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl, and human smuggling remain serious concerns that require stronger policy coordination with the U.S.
• Fiscal Health: Canada’s mounting debt and deficits threaten long-term stability, requiring fiscal responsibility and economic restructuring.
• Infrastructure Projects: Controversial yet critical projects, such as the east-to-west pipeline, must be advanced to ensure national energy security and economic independence.

U.S. Strategy and Canada’s Position in a Shifting Global Order. Jones emphasized that the Trump administration’s policies—often perceived as isolationist—are rooted in a long-term strategic vision: a shift away from globalism and towards securing North America as a self-sufficient economic and military entity. The key to this vision, he suggested, is transitioning from “Fortress America” to “Fortress North America.”

“This is not about Trump personally,” Jones explained. “It’s about a strategic repositioning of the U.S. in response to economic realities. America is scaling back global commitments, refocusing on domestic production, and pulling in its industrial base. It no longer sees itself as the world’s guardian.”

Jones pointed out that under the Bretton Woods system, the U.S. historically guaranteed global trade security with its navy—an arrangement that fueled decades of economic expansion worldwide. However, as U.S. debt reaches unprecedented levels, Washington is reassessing its commitments, leaving other regions such as Europe and nations, including Canada, at a crossroads.

The Stakes for Canada: Adapt or Be Left Behind.  The implications for Canada are stark. As the U.S. consolidates its economic and security focus, it expects its closest allies to align with its policies. According to Jones, this means Canada must decide whether to integrate more closely with American economic and security strategies or risk being sidelined.

Key U.S. demands include:

• Tighter Border and Immigration Controls: Aligning Canadian policies with U.S. security priorities.
• Drug Trade Regulation: Strengthening efforts to curb fentanyl exports and improve cross-border enforcement.
• Economic and Energy Alignment: The U.S. seeks a streamlined economic relationship, including coordination on energy production and trade policies.

If Canada fails to respond, the U.S. may impose tariffs and other economic measures to compel compliance, potentially disrupting Canada’s economy.

“Canada is an incredibly valuable partner for the U.S.—our trade relationship is deeply integrated,” Jones said. “But if we don’t recognize the strategic shift happening, we risk being left behind. The U.S. is making it clear: grow up, take responsibility, and align with the new reality, or face the consequences.”

A Call for Leadership. The discussion concluded with a call for stronger national leadership to address Canada’s pressing challenges. The country has long been reliant on its close economic ties with the U.S., but that relationship is evolving. Without decisive action, Canada risks losing its privileged position as a key U.S. partner.

“There is an opportunity here,” Kinkaide in summarizing the discussion noted, “If Canada strengthens its governance, removes internal trade barriers, and aligns its policies more strategically with North America’s security and economic goals, it can solidify its place as a leading global player. But that requires leadership with the foresight and resolve to act.”

The KEI Network session highlighted that Canada’s path forward is clear: resolve domestic inefficiencies, engage in meaningful economic reform, and embrace a leadership role that positions the nation for long-term global influence. Without such efforts, Canada risks being left on the periphery of a changing world order.