Avi Benlolo: New Year’s resolution — make Canada into a serious country again

In 2025, let’s make Canada a nation that stands tall on the world stage, proud of its principles and united in purpose

Published Jan 03, 2025  •  Last updated 0 minutes ago  •  4 minute read

Photo by Peter J. Thompson/National Post

In 2025, Canada has the opportunity to make a dramatic shift and reclaim its position as a respected global leader. If I were leading this country, the following critical issues would be at the top of my agenda.

First and foremost, Canada must emerge from its international pariah state. Everywhere I travel, people ask me what happened to Canada.

Our relationship with India, one of our largest trading partners, is in shambles. The incoming Trump administration in the United States is threatening across-the-board tariffs of up to 25 per cent, signalling significant frustration with Canada’s policies. Even Israel, our greatest ally in the Middle East, has all but given up on our longstanding partnership due to Canada’s refusal to stop aiding Hamas through UNRWA and withholding military equipment.

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When a nation stands for nothing, it becomes nothing — and that is the stark reality of Canada’s current international standing. To regain our global credibility, we must realign our foreign policy with that of our allies, adopt a principled stance at the United Nations and rebuild trust with our key partners.

To secure Canada’s future, we must also address the pressing challenges of immigration. Our current policies are unsustainable and risk eroding the social fabric of our nation.

A radical reduction in immigration from countries that do not share our culture and values is necessary. Every new immigrant should be required to pass a values test. Questions such as, “Do you support the equality and freedom of women?” and “Do you reject practices like honour killings?” should become standard.

Immigrants must demonstrate an ability to conform to Canada’s civic discourse of mutual respect and uphold our hate-crime and speech laws. Inspired by Germany’s new citizenship test questions relating to antisemitism and Israel’s right to exist, Canada should adopt a similar litmus test to ensure newcomers align with our democratic values.

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We cannot hope to be a global leader if our streets become hotbeds of radicalism and fanaticism. Canada in 2025 must empower law enforcement with stronger laws to curb hateful and violent protests.

Canadians long for the safe, welcoming environment of the past. We want our children to play hockey on the streets and families to visit malls without fear of jihadis dressed like Hamas terrorists blocking their way or unfurling ridiculous posters at the Eaton Centre.

Canada must become intolerant of the intolerant, equipping police with the necessary tools to safeguard our streets and preserve public order and reducing the bureaucracy to bring forward hate-crime charges. At the heart of this transformation is the recognition that freedom and safety are not mutually exclusive, but mutually reinforcing.

At the same time, Canada must take a stand against the rising tide of “wokeism,” particularly within our universities. These institutions, once bastions of critical thought, now propagate ideologies that have given cover to radical pro-terrorist groups while marginalizing groups that conform to foundational Canadian values.

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Federally funded university programs promoting such ideologies (especially DEI) should be defunded, and provinces should introduce financial repercussions for universities that fail to address the radicalism among students and faculty.

Our higher education system must return to fostering critical thinking, mutual respect and constructive dialogue. This will not only restore faith in academia, but also ensure that future generations are equipped to lead with integrity and reason.

Economic reform is another cornerstone of Canada’s renewal. Our national debt has ballooned, and the government workforce has become bloated. To alleviate economic hardships on the lower and middle classes, we must streamline the public sector and incentivize entrepreneurship.

A thriving, innovative economy is the backbone of a strong nation, and Canada must prioritize reducing financial burdens while fostering opportunities for all citizens. Tax incentives for small businesses and targeted support for startups will be key to revitalizing our economy and creating jobs that lift Canadians out of poverty.

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Canada’s role on the world stage requires a long-overdue investment in our military. For decades, we have been content with outdated equipment and minimal spending on national defence. Transforming our military into a force capable of protecting our national interests, including the Arctic, will take time — but the process must begin now.

By committing to this transformation, Canada can reassert itself as a serious player on the world stage. This includes investing in cutting-edge technology, modern training programs and strategic alliances that enhance our defence capabilities.

Finally, Canada must reclaim its identity and unity. For more than 150 years, Canadians have cherished a sense of shared purpose and national pride. Unless we take serious and transformative steps, this unity will erode, leaving us vulnerable to both internal and external threats.

Our relationship with the United States underscores this urgency. The suggestion that Canada could become America’s 51st state is a sobering reminder of how far we have fallen. Only by acting decisively can we ensure Canada remains a strong, sovereign state with a clear moral compass.

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In 2025, let’s make Canada a nation that stands tall on the world stage, proud of its principles and united in purpose. The world has changed — and with it, so must we.

The time for courageous, transformative change is now. By addressing these critical issues with boldness and clarity, we can rebuild a Canada that commands respect, fosters opportunity and secures a brighter future for generations to come.

National Post

Avi Abraham Benlolo is the Founder and CEO of the Abraham Global Peace Initiative.

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