My column for today:
The 2011 census is causing heads to turn because it reveals something fascinating: for the first time, Canada’s West has more than 10 million people.
The ‘Rising West’ phenomenon has been talked about for years. Now, the West has definitely arrived.
Since 1867, Canada has been defined by the interaction between Ontario and Quebec. Politics, economics and culture focused on the corridor between Toronto and Quebec City. The West was often relegated as an afterthought to the Eastern establishment.
Now, the picture looks different.
There are more people in British Columbia and Alberta than there are in Quebec. Perogies, smoked salmon and Alberta beef are quickly surpassing poutine as quintessentially Canadian dishes.
With Ontario’s economy in a downward spiral, more and more young Canadians are flocking west in search of opportunities.
I grew up in Ontario and came to Vancouver in 2008 after graduating from university. I was struck by the real sense of optimism in the West, and the entrepreneurial spirit of the people who, like me, made the shift westward. I’ve heard many people comment on the refreshing, unapologetic ambition folks have out here. With so many people from somewhere else, you get a unique blend of perspective and innovation.
Jobs aren’t the only draw; young people are migrating west for education, too. Ontario has benefited from being home to many highly ranked universities that attract young and bright students. But with western universities increasing in rank and profile, and new schools like Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, more young people will be lured west for their degrees.
The West doesn’t just have demographics on its side, it has politics too. It’s no surprise that at this time and with a majority government, we have an Albertan prime minister.
This shift in political power is only going to increase. Many rising stars in the Conservative caucus are from the West and in the next parliament, the West will get 104 seats in parliament — the first time we’ve had more than 100 seats.
Canada is changing. It is no longer about Quebec and Ontario; the West is starting to matter more. A lot more. This will have an impact on our national priorities. Natural resources, especially oil and gas, will increase in their importance to Canada politically and economically. Asia-Pacific relations will also become more essential — something we’re already seeing.
The West is growing, and we’re changing Canada.
