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Other than hockey, in what areas does our country hope to lead the world? Canadians don’t need to wait for the 150th anniversary to start answering the vital question: What’s the big plan?

This fall’s federal election would seem an ideal time to talk about our national ambitions, but the subject is unlikely to be on the agenda. Election platforms are defined by issues that pollsters say can attract votes. That’s why our political leaders are talking about things like tax breaks, pension enhancements and a new national child-care program. The common factor in the national political discussion is about what more government can do for us.

The real discussion should be about what we can do for ourselves. This was a country built by can-do people who came here from all parts of the world, mostly with nothing, and helped build the country we have today. It’s difficult to discern that spirit in many contemporary Canadians, eager as they are for a new government program, handout or tax break.

Canada Day is a day for national pride, but we set the bar too low if we are content to say the country has many natural wonders. Pride should be based on accomplishment.

Whether we like it or not, successful countries today innovate and sell their products around the world. That means believing in our best ideas and being willing to invest our money in them. Canadians’ record here is not great. A successful Canadian company could be defined as one that was good enough to be sold to people from some other country.