Canada faces demographic winter, a shattered immigration consensus, and a choice between decline and pronatal renewal, writes Guest Contributor Zak Mndebele.
“Young people not only require gainful, stable employment, but houses capable of supporting large families.” We are always told how we must preserve green belts for the next generation. I ask, what next generation? Canada has been in a fertility depression my whole life, in part because of the demonization of single family homes and “sprawl”.
Perhaps worse, the centuries old tradition of Canadians building a home for one’s own family has been regulated out of existence. This too is a part of our culture we should bring back through the restoration of property rights.
Put a label on me if you wish but Trudeau Senior’s multiculturalism began a long decline in the Canadian sense of community. Traditional families have become almost taboo.
Also, possibly the positive birth rate in Israel and their sense of community might have something to do with their neighbouring countries wanting them to disappear.
This is great. Looking forward to reading further contributions from you, Zak! My wife and I delayed our first child for largely economic reasons. We're delaying child #2 for similar reasons, although not as extreme.
One adjacent topic that was not mentioned: abortion. 2023 figures for births are ~350,000 and abortions ~100,000. Murdering ~100,000 Canadians aside, this would surely be a boon to our country and economy to give these Canadians life. We need better societal and economic supports for everyone to ensure children are pursued and kept.
One very necessary measure is to define, ‘a Canadian’ and the clear values, attributes and contributions which comprise being so. We then need to place a value on that identity. That cannot be done by computer button presses to acquire citizenship and the identity of Canadian, with little effort or commitment on the part of the button pusher - a required six to twelve months of military or other forms of collective service might be a solid way to start. That, along with a meaningful time of continuous residence and contribution, say four to six years. A culture is the accumulation of shared practises and experience. It does not tolerate those who would deny or attack such. It has to be made a worthy goal and offer a sense of accomplishment and uniqueness in attaining it.
“Young people not only require gainful, stable employment, but houses capable of supporting large families.” We are always told how we must preserve green belts for the next generation. I ask, what next generation? Canada has been in a fertility depression my whole life, in part because of the demonization of single family homes and “sprawl”.
Perhaps worse, the centuries old tradition of Canadians building a home for one’s own family has been regulated out of existence. This too is a part of our culture we should bring back through the restoration of property rights.
Anyway, great essay!
Good points.
Put a label on me if you wish but Trudeau Senior’s multiculturalism began a long decline in the Canadian sense of community. Traditional families have become almost taboo.
Also, possibly the positive birth rate in Israel and their sense of community might have something to do with their neighbouring countries wanting them to disappear.
This is great. Looking forward to reading further contributions from you, Zak! My wife and I delayed our first child for largely economic reasons. We're delaying child #2 for similar reasons, although not as extreme.
One adjacent topic that was not mentioned: abortion. 2023 figures for births are ~350,000 and abortions ~100,000. Murdering ~100,000 Canadians aside, this would surely be a boon to our country and economy to give these Canadians life. We need better societal and economic supports for everyone to ensure children are pursued and kept.
Thank you Zak for this very thoughtful analysis
One very necessary measure is to define, ‘a Canadian’ and the clear values, attributes and contributions which comprise being so. We then need to place a value on that identity. That cannot be done by computer button presses to acquire citizenship and the identity of Canadian, with little effort or commitment on the part of the button pusher - a required six to twelve months of military or other forms of collective service might be a solid way to start. That, along with a meaningful time of continuous residence and contribution, say four to six years. A culture is the accumulation of shared practises and experience. It does not tolerate those who would deny or attack such. It has to be made a worthy goal and offer a sense of accomplishment and uniqueness in attaining it.