Our big, beautiful reading list: 10 sharp takes on how Canada can secure its future
This week’s reading list offers a wide-ranging look at how Canada is navigating a time of transition — economically, strategically, and politically. From shifts in defence and trade policy to evolving views on innovation, agriculture and climate preparedness, each piece brings a different angle to some of the most important conversations happening right now.
Whether you're looking to understand where Canada stands on global alliances, how regulatory reform could spur economic growth, or what the future holds for food and energy sectors, these 10 Good Reads offer timely insights and thoughtful analysis.
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1. Wake-up call: How to Fight Back
In Maclean’s feature article, Canada’s response to global economic and political pressures takes centre stage. Rather than accepting the status quo, the piece explores eight bold proposals aimed at strengthening national resilience and long-term prosperity. These ideas touch on everything from creating a Canadian sovereign wealth fund to rethinking trade policy, boosting domestic manufacturing, and investing more strategically in national defense and innovation.
Let us know what resonates and what doesn’t! Email us at news@meansandways.ca.
2. Defence spending: Necessary but insufficient
A Canadian Press report lays out how new defence spending may provide a bump to the economy — but won’t be the silver bullet that pulls us out of economic stagnation. It’s a good reminder that ambition needs to stretch beyond procurement.
3. The view from the top: Canada’s Defence minister speaks
In a wide-ranging interview with the Toronto Star, Defence Minister David McGuinty speaks to It’s Political host Althia Raj about the rising global threats and an urgent need for modernization. His message? Canadians are ready to hear hard truths — and ready to act. He also hints at a major strategic pivot in our relationship with the U.S: “It’ll be us, plus.”
4. Is free trade with the U.S. officially over?
Rudyard Griffiths and Sean Speer at The Hub argue Canada-U.S. free trade is, functionally, dead. Tariffs, protectionism and political volatility have made it clear: Canada needs to diversify, and diversify quickly.
5. Supply management on trial
In this in-depth piece from The Walrus, Canada’s unique system of dairy and egg supply management gets a closer look. While critics often zero in on price tags and trade friction, the article highlights how the system ensures food security, stable farm incomes and consistent quality — all of which proved especially valuable during recent global disruptions.
6. Regulate smarter, not harder
In a new C.D. Howe report, Heather Scoffield makes the case for streamlining Canada’s bloated regulatory systems. If we want to innovate, grow and compete, we need to stop tying ourselves in red tape.
7. The innovation imperative
The Council of Canadian Innovators argues that Canada must “Procure to Protect.” In short: public procurement should prioritize homegrown tech and ideas. If we’re serious about sovereignty and resilience, this is a low-hanging fruit with high impact, the council says.
8. Climate prep as economic policy
Federation of Canadian Municipalities CEO Carole Saab and Canadian Climate Institute president Rick Smith pen an op-ed in The Globe and Mail that reminds us the climate crisis isn’t a future threat — it’s an economic emergency now. From wildfires to floods, climate readiness must become central to fiscal and infrastructure planning.
9. Indigenous partnerships: A model for the future
In a more hopeful note, the Financial Post highlights how Canada’s potash sector is forging new partnerships with Indigenous businesses. These aren’t just corporate feel-good stories — they’re smart, forward-thinking collaborations that reflect the kind of inclusive growth Canada needs more of.
10. Rethinking the Farm
Finally, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce lays out a blueprint to modernize our agri-food sector. The message: agriculture is no longer just about feeding ourselves — it's about feeding the world, competing on quality and sustainability and unlocking rural economic power.
Together, these 10 articles offer a snapshot of the many complex and evolving issues shaping Canada’s policy and economic landscape. Whether you agree with the ideas presented or not, they reflect an ongoing conversation about how Canada can respond to new challenges with fresh thinking and practical solutions.
We’ll be back to our regular mix of news and analysis next week. Until then, happy reading — and as always, we welcome your thoughts. Get in touch at news@meansandways.ca.
