As Canada approaches the federal election on Monday, April 28, we urge our future government—regardless of who leads it—to focus on building long-term infrastructure that strengthens the backbone of our economy. It is imperative that we move beyond short-term strategies focused on individual-level distributions that generate debt and instead invest in industries that drive sustainable growth, create opportunity, and secure Canada’s position as a global economic leader.
Canada’s Untapped Potential
Canada is rich in resources, innovation, and talent. Yet, for too long, our economic strategy has been overly reliant on a singular trading partner and distributing wealth rather than investing in productivity and creating wealth through industries that have the potential to thrive on the world stage. Too often, Canadian businesses are forced to sell their goods and resources to the United States at discounted prices—leaving our economy vulnerable and limiting the value we derive from our own resources.
We need a bold shift toward policies that prioritize industries capable of competing globally, allowing Canada to sell to the world at world prices. Whether it’s energy, agriculture, technology, or manufacturing, our future government must foster an environment where Canadian industries can grow, innovate, and expand their markets beyond North America.
Building Infrastructure That Drives Growth
A robust economy requires more than resource extraction and distribution. It requires investment in the infrastructure to refine, process, and add value to our resources domestically—ensuring that Canadian industries can compete at a global level. Equally important is fostering world-leading technological advancements in energy, material science, agribusiness, and natural resource extraction and production. Investing in critical infrastructure, including transportation networks, advanced manufacturing facilities, and digital technologies, will not only create jobs but also empower Canadian companies to export higher-value goods and services while driving innovation in these essential sectors.
Reducing Reliance on Discounted Markets
Canada has been at the mercy of the U.S. market, where we sell our resources at a discount. To truly unlock our potential, we need to diversify our trade relationships and ensure that Canadian goods are sold at fair, competitive prices in global markets. Our policies should encourage the development of industries that generate wealth for Canadians by tapping into international demand—making Canada less reliant on any one market and more resilient to external economic pressures.
A Call for Strategic Vision
We urge the incoming government to take a long-term, strategic approach that positions Canada as a leader in industries with high global demand. This means creating policies that:
- Create a nationwide energy corridor to move electricity, oil and gas.
- Incentivize innovation and investment in value-added industries.
- Support the development of critical infrastructure that enables export growth and interprovincial trade.
- Strengthen our ability to process and refine raw resources domestically.
- Diversify our trade relationships to secure better pricing and reduce dependence on a single market.
The Path Forward
A thriving, resilient Canadian economy is within reach—but it requires foresight, commitment, and strategic investments. By focusing on policies that generate GDP through growth rather than accumulating debt through individual distribution programs, Canada can secure a prosperous future for generations to come.
At Essex Lease Financial Corporation, we know that building for the future means creating the conditions for businesses to succeed today. We stand ready to support industries that will drive Canada’s growth and competitiveness on the global stage—and we call on our future government to do the same.