An important lesson for nation-building in Canada
As a new Canadian, I was fortunate to have had the guidance and mentorship of many outstanding Canadian role models. They helped pave my integration into a new society and provided me with invaluable advice for my professional career. There’s an important lesson here for nation-building in Canada. Bringing immigrants to Canada is only half…
Canada’s economy has transitioned from the resources under our feet to the resources between our ears
The first month of a new year is named January after the Roman god Janus, who had two faces – one looking backward and the other looking forward. Janus illustrates humanity’s ambition that the first month of the new year is a time to take stock of the past and make plans for the future.…
Immigration policy must build bridges and align with economic, social, education and multicultural policy
I was recently invited to share my thoughts and take a futuristic peek at the role of immigration in the post-COVID-19 economic recovery. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada invited me to speak at its annual executive leadership summit that included more than 250 decision-makers in the executive branch. My presentation spanned the unresolved immigration issues…
The age of internetization has arrived in the province
The launch of the McKenna Institute at the University of New Brunswick is confirmation that the age of internetization has arrived in the province. Internetization is a new word I’ve coined to describe the global outreach and electronic connectivity that empowers the 21st century. COVID-19 underlined that internetization has become foundational to our existence. Millions…
Queen Elizabeth must juggle her duties with her family responsibilities. But in her case, the stakes are higher and the scrutiny is intense
The House of Windsor is making headlines around the world for all the wrong reasons. “The Firm,” as Prince Philip is fond of calling the British Royal Family, doesn’t look kindly on bad publicity. Ringing in my ears is a line from William Shakespeare’s play Henry IV: “uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.”…
Effective this year, the Greek government will give Greeks living abroad the right to vote in national elections
On March 25, 2021, Greece will commemorate the 200th anniversary of its national day. This bicentenary will be marked with great pomp and ceremony in Greece and in Greek communities of the diaspora around the world. Most countries celebrate their national day at the end of a revolution or the termination of hostilities after a…
But will the federal government step up to the plate?
The sweeping structural unemployment across Canada requires our collective attention. It’s time to take a deep dive into the changes happening in the workplace and ensure our young people are empowered for success in the new global economy. Canada’s economy isn’t immune to structural change. The advent of industrialization, manufacturing and, more recently, the information…
Internetization is revolutionizing our lives. But too many parts of Canada lack the electronic capacity needed to take advantage of it
Earlier this year, I was invited to deliver the keynote address at the 36th annual international conference of the Business & Economics Society International in Italy in July. But COVID-19 intervened and the conference was transformed to a virtual platform. I delivered my keynote address from my living room in Fredericton, N.B. The title of…
A recent discovery links ancient Greece with the contemporary computer, the IT revolution and our digital lifestyle
Ancient Greece has endowed us with many significant accomplishments of human endeavour. It has created a monumental footprint and an inspiring legacy in a diverse range of human accomplishments. The ancient Greeks are widely acclaimed for their path-breaking contributions to science, mathematics, democracy, architecture and literature. What’s especially remarkable about these contributions is their lasting…
In order to promote respect for others, and to encourage reflection and dialogue, the museum needs to clean up its own house
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights has made news around the world for all the wrong reasons. It has been derelict in its mission and mandate. The museum has been accused of maintaining a poisoned work environment that practices racism, discrimination, a lack of gender equity and inclusion. In November 2007, I was selected by…