Last week the Federal Finance Minister told us things were pretty rosy in the Canadian economy, but actions speak louder than words. A healthy economy doesn’t need propping up, yet his fiscal update projected deficit spending as far as the eye could see. I’m not sure just where the economy is strong–certainly not in Alberta or in Ontario, where things were sliding even before GM’s devastating announcement this week. It’s clear that in the new Canadian economy, the oil and auto sectors will no longer drive growth. We will have to dig deep and find true innovation to become competitive enough to grow and earn our way in the local and ultimately global economy. We need entrepreneurs who embrace the cliché of “thinking outside the box”, and they exist–see our front page story. Creative, lateral thinking stimulates new ideas and unveils new opportunities. Let’s add that to our school curriculum. Maybe that will bring us a happy New Year. KG
