Andrew Rusk’s Post

An important, and appreciated, initiative in today's Globe and Mail. Canada's geography is vast. Our culture contains far more voices and perspectives that it did a few decades ago. We have an influential neighbour who, through combination of happenstance and deliberate choice, has realized a political culture where polarization and emotional engagement takes precedent over effective policy and governance. Modern media provide tremendous choice, but hinders building a consensual and cohesive national understanding of Canada's challenges and opportunities. All these factors relentlessly drive us to behaviour where simple and emotionally engaging arguments based on limited, and not necessarily objectively curated, inputs has become seductively easy. Canada can, and must, do better. Canada faces a crises of productivity that threatens our capacity to continue to realize a first world lifestyle. Resolving this necessitates significant changes to our financial and governance incentives. Confidence among stakeholders that these new incentive regimes will be enduring is critical to securing the change in behaviour required. And this confidence will not be secured if it is perceived that policy put in place today will be rescinded in a few years for no other reason than it was an initiative of a different tribe. Respectful, fact based, broad engagement towards the compromises necessary to secure broadly supported policy with enduring political capital is required. Our current political discourse will not deliver this, and it will be catastrophic for Canada if we continue to reward it.

This #NationalIndigenousHistoryMonth, let's reflect on the tapestry of Canada and our journey to #reconciliation and #truth. Canada is built on the ancestral lands of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. GAC played a role in Canada’s colonial history. Today, it has a responsibility to promote systemic change, by being committed to advancing the rights, perspectives and prosperity of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and around the world. Read more about our approach in our Action Plan: https://lnkd.in/gS-UWUbC #NIHM2024

Please take the time to read this powerful commentary on the current divisions in this country.

The latest Article from Anokiigamig is now available. Please forward this article to others who you believe have an interest in understanding more about Canada;s indigenous people. https://lnkd.in/ezTm-2Wp

Managing In-betweenness in Canada: Diasporas and Global Conflicts By Alidad Mafinezam "While duality and the challenges of integration and adaptation are shared by all diasporas, a subset of these communities represent and experience this duality in politically stark and tension-ridden terms, and are in the Canadian public’s eye and on the news on a regular basis due to this duality. "Only a few of the scores of large and established diaspora communities in Canada’s city-regions are on the street demonstrating and marching in large numbers, writing petitions, open letters and mass emails, organizing press conferences, and demanding that the Canadian government takes a side — their side — on a contentious issue in world affairs. Such demonstrators and drafters of action memos and slogans want Canada to take a stronger and morally less ambiguous stand in wars and political struggles that are happening abroad, thousands of miles away on a separate continent, which increasingly, as we have seen in the past few months and years, are manifested overtly on Canadian soil as well. [press X on top right of box on link to access text] https://lnkd.in/gpkuMa2r?

Today, on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we acknowledge the profound contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultures in shaping Canada's history and identity. 🧡 🏢Please note that the Appraisal Institute of Canada is closed today in observance of this important day of reflection and remembrance. #NDTR, #TruthAndReconciliation, #OrangeShirtDay, #EveryChildMatters

In April 2024, we formally engaged 🇨🇦Member of the Parliament of Canada Hon. Hedy Fry regarding her profoundly troubling remarks during the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development’s session on "Canada’s Approach to Africa” on April 10th. Specifically, Ms. Fry referred to Africa as a "pimple on the face of the earth" and erroneously asserted that the continent does not value human rights. These statements not only reflect a gross mischaracterization of Africa but also undermine the considerable efforts of those working to advance human rights across the continent. Our request for a formal apology remains unmet. While we are not an advocacy organization, we believe it is imperative for individuals and organizations to unite in calling for accountability. We urge others to join us in demanding a sincere apology from Ms. Fry to address the harm caused by her remarks and to reaffirm our collective commitment to respect, understanding and inclusivity. It is crucial that we hold our public representatives accountable to ensure that such disparaging remarks are addressed with the seriousness they merit. We remain resolute in our pursuit of a sincere apology and will continue to advocate for the respect and recognition that Canadians of African descent and all those affected by these remarks rightfully deserve. We urge others to lend their voices to this important cause and contribute to the broader movement for accountability and respect. 🎥: April 10th, 2024 Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development "Canada’s Approach to Africa" Meetings. https://lnkd.in/ggeN6nJ6 This kind of rhetoric has no place in Canada. As a nation built on diversity, respect, and inclusion, such thinking undermines the very values that bind us together. It is important that those in positions of leadership embody the principles of empathy and understanding, especially when addressing complex global issues.

In a feature op-ed in today's The Hill Times, Andrew Perez, Principal at Perez Strategies argues that in an increasingly precarious and polarized world, our civic and political leaders have a moral imperative to champion Canada's liberal-democratic values, traditionally the envy of the world. Andrew posits Canada as a post-national state is a recipe for a fractured federation marked by division, lack of respect among citizens, and outright intimidation and hatred. Read the full piece below: https://lnkd.in/gnVWdFXa

An insight into the unique perspective of Canadian political and cultural life from the president of the government relations agency and Communications Good Politics Anna Lachykhina. In her new article for NV, the expert shares her insider experience of working in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's team. You will learn: 🔹 How does the Prime Minister's team work and how are decisions made that affect Canada's international and domestic politics? 🔹 Canada's unique cultural aspects make it one of the most attractive countries in the world for business and life. 🔹 The role of international trade in the development of Canada's national interests and how this knowledge can benefit your business. Discover new ways to develop your business together with a reliable partner in the world of government relations and communications - Good Politics, [email protected] Read the full text at the link: https://lnkd.in/gqwcjJ6H

On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we pause as a nation to recognize the immense suffering and injustices endured by Indigenous peoples in Canada. Today offers a moment to reflect on the painful history of residential schools, the loss of countless lives, and the lasting trauma still felt by survivors and their families. We pay tribute to the incredible resilience, strength, and wisdom of Indigenous communities who have carried this weight through generations. In this spirit, we renew our commitment to truth, justice, and genuine reconciliation. It's a reminder that we must actively listen, learn, and take meaningful steps to confront the systemic inequalities that persist. This day calls on all of us to help create a more just and equitable Canada—one that fully recognizes and respects Indigenous rights, cultures, and languages. As we reflect on the past, let us move forward with purpose, working toward a future shaped by understanding, compassion, and solidarity.