Why are we so "meh" about our challenges?

As Canadians, we pride ourselves on our clean water, living skies, the Rockies, maple syrup, playing hockey, and saying sorry.
There are other things to be proud of too, like our democracy and our ability to grow food for the world's population. It would seem, though, that when one or more of these points of pride is being eroded, the best response we seem able to muster lately is "meh."
For example, we have a significant, deep infrastructure deficit in this country. It exists at several levels, but let's focus on where it lands in agriculture.
The issue of our congested ports and strike-prone railways is not new. It's also not getting any better. This week, three major commodity organizations published an op-ed here on RealAgriculture to outline the very real fallout to labour issues and failing export capacity: our customers are beginning doubt we can deliver what they need.
We're also in the middle of learning about Members of Parliament possibly committing a little "light treason" (thanks, Arrested Development), as a national security committee report makes the rounds on Parliament Hill. Our collective reaction seems to be, "oh well."
And don't even get me started on the Liberal government's latest scheme to forego any sort of fiscal responsibility, a la capital gains money grab. What did Margaret Thatcher say? Eventually you run out of other people's money.
I recognize that big picture issues, such as global trade and political wrangling, aren't always top of mind when it comes to trying to make things better. We're all busy trying to live our lives, raise some crops or livestock, maybe some kids, too. But I have to wonder how we got so apathetic, so complacent, so OK with things just kind of sucking and no one actually being accountable to making it...suck less.
I consider myself incredibly lucky to have won the geographic lottery by being born here in Canada. We DO have great maple syrup and clean water and friendly neighbours and a democracy. These are all things to be proud of - I just wish we stood up for it more.
Watch above for more of this conversation that I had with Shaun Haney and Kelvin Heppner on the June 14 edition of RealAg Radio
- Lyndsey
Website: www.realagriculture.com/
#opinion #farming #agriculture
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