Overview

Canada stands at a pivotal crossroads – facing intertwined challenges of national unity, economic growth, and environmental stewardship. Across the country, deep divisions have emerged between regions, rural and urban communities, and differing political and cultural viewpoints. The pandemic and the rise of misinformation have magnified these divides, eroding trust in institutions and weakening Canadians’ sense of shared purpose.

At the same time, Canada must navigate the difficult balance between expanding its economy and protecting the environment. The nation’s resource industries, like oil, gas, mining, forestry, and fisheries, remain critical to jobs, infrastructure, and public services, yet they also contribute to ecological decline and climate change. Stories from places like the Fraser River show how unsustainable practices can harm both nature and the livelihoods that depend on it.

Experts, from economists to biologists, agree that the health of Canada’s economy and environment are inseparable. Protecting biodiversity, forests, and waterways isn’t just ethical, it’s essential for long-term prosperity. Yet differences in geography, opportunity, and political influence mean Canadians often disagree on how to move forward.

Ultimately, the story converges on a single message: Canada’s future depends on rebuilding trust, listening across divides, and finding balance between livelihoods and landscapes. By embracing empathy, science, and cooperation, Canadians can unite around a shared vision — one that strengthens Canada and the people who call it home.

Define

Science/Biodiversity Terms

  • Biodiversity
  • Ecosystem Services
  • Sustainability
  • Climate Change
  • Carbon Sink
  • Deforestation
  • Habitat Loss
  • Erosion
  • Floodplain
  • Watershed
  • Keystone Species
  • Invasive Species
  • Ecological Connectivity
  • Carbon Cycle
  • Fire Suppression
  • Renewable Energy
  • Non-Renewable Resource
  • Stewardship
  • Two-Eyed Seeing

Economic Terms

  • Resource Industry
  • Just Transition
  • Economic Diversification
  • Carbon Pricing
  • Decarbonization
  • Infrastructure
  • Sustainable Development
  • Ecosystem Valuation

Think about it

  • What are the key challenges Canada faces in trying to balance economic growth, environmental protection, and national unity?
  • How have recent events — such as the COVID-19 pandemic or the rise of social media — changed the way Canadians see one another?
  • Why is finding common ground so difficult when it comes to environmental and economic issues?
  • How do regional differences (East vs. West, urban vs. rural, Indigenous vs. non-Indigenous) shape Canada’s debates about the environment and economy?
  • What role does misinformation or “echo chambers” play in deepening divisions between Canadians?
  • Whose voices are often missing from national conversations about the environment, and why might it be important to include them?
  • Erin O’Toole said, “We saw a breakdown of social cohesion.” What does social cohesion mean, and how might it be rebuilt?
  • Can economic development and environmental protection truly coexist, or must one come before the other?
  • How could Canada’s economy be redesigned to value ecosystem services - like clean water, forests, or biodiversity, as much as traditional industries?
  • What responsibilities do Canadians have, both locally and globally, when it comes to protecting the environment?
  • What does “leaving the campsite better than you found it” mean in your own life or community?
  • How do your personal values align with Canada’s need to balance prosperity, sustainability, and unity?
  • If you could design one policy or project to help Canada move forward, what would it be and why?
  • Choose one expert from the stories. How might their perspective differ from your own. What could you learn from them?

Socials/Political Terms

  • GDP
  • Urban-Rural Divide
  • Polarization
  • Echo Chamber
  • Misinformation
  • Democracy
  • First-Past-the-Post System
  • Collective Decision-Making
  • Cultural Divide
  • Reconciliation

Referenced Resources