In the middle of the growing trade tensions with the United States, Canada finds itself facing some hard questions. For decades, we’ve depended heavily on our southern neighbor — for trade, for defense, and, frankly, for direction. But now, as the US pulls back on certain commitments and puts its own interests first, Canada is left exposed, wondering what’s next.
This should not just be a moment of worry. This should be a moment of change. Canada has a chance, right now, to finally find its own voice in the world — to become a country that leads, not just follows.
Too dependent for too long
Today, around 75% of Canada’s exports go straight to the United States. We rely on them to buy our oil, our lumber, our cars, and our crops. In defense, we’re just as dependent. Canada has only four submarines, none of which are nuclear-powered and often out of service. We have fewer than 100 tanks, compared to the US, which has thousands. Our air force is aging, and our Arctic region — an area the world is watching closely for its resources and shipping routes — is barely protected.
Meanwhile, climate change is opening up the Arctic like never before. Russia has heavily armed its northern borders, the US keeps a close watch, and China has expressed interest, too. And yet, Canada, the country that actually owns much of the Arctic territory, has few patrol ships, outdated surveillance, and not nearly enough troops stationed in the North to secure it.
Wasted potential
It’s not like Canada doesn’t have the resources. We are the second-largest country in the world. We hold about 20% of the planet's fresh water. We have rich supplies of oil, gas, timber, and minerals that the world needs. But despite all this, we lag behind other G7 countries in productivity, innovation, and influence.
Part of the problem is that we’ve never really built strong trade relationships beyond the US. We failed to build serious ties with India, which is soon to be one of the biggest economies in the world. We hurt our relationship with China, once a promising market for Canadian goods. We’ve cut off nearly all ties with Russia. Instead of focusing on building new friendships and trade routes, we keep going back to the US, hoping they’ll take care of us.
Following, not leading
Even in foreign policy, Canada often seems to just follow the US lead. Look at Ukraine. Canada has spent over $50 billion supporting Ukraine, standing strong against Russia’s invasion. But now, as the US begins to pull back, Canada keeps going — without a clear plan of its own, without asking if we’re still doing what’s best for Canadians.
Meanwhile, regular Canadians are feeling the pressure. Costs are going up. Jobs are uncertain. And while we’re sending billions abroad, Canadians are asking: Who is looking out for us?
Time to build our own future
This could be a turning point. Canada has everything it needs to become a stronger, more independent country. We have natural wealth. We have talent. We have a good global reputation. But now, we need leadership that’s willing to step up and chart a new course.
We should be focusing on building real partnerships with countries like India and those in the Asia-Pacific region, where most of the world's economic growth will happen in the next decade. We should invest in Canadian companies, so we finally have global brands that people know and respect. We should protect our own North, not wait for someone else to do it for us. And above all, we should make decisions based on what’s best for Canada — not just what’s best for keeping the US happy.
Finding Canada’s character
For too long, Canada has been comfortable being the quiet partner, the reliable neighbor, the helpful supporter. But the world is changing. The US is changing. Global power is shifting, and the old ways won’t work anymore.
It’s time for Canada to find its own character — to show the world what we stand for, what we can build, and how we can lead. This trade dispute may feel like trouble now, but it could be the push we need to finally become the country we were meant to be.
And there’s no better time than now.
Nawrin Sultana is a Bangladeshi-Canadian marketing consultant, blending her cultural roots with a global perspective.
