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As Americans flail and filibuster, Canadians quietly and efficiently get on with life. Even grave problems have been overcome because of the unique social contract that Canadians have forged for 150 years. This has not been without difficulty, event violence, or negative consequences. But the outcome is a country that is the Scandinavia of the Western Hemisphere: sophisticated, classy, coddled, prosperous, educated, and … mostly cold.

But Canada’s heart is warm, not mean spirited or imperial or burdened with super power responsibilities.

This is the differentiator and why we are in the enviable position we occupy today. It wasn’t easy, but it happened and must be sustained. So, in the spirit of not taking ourselves for granted, here’s my list of Canada’s strengths:

* A modern and efficient economy.

* An educated and motivated workforce.

* A good healthcare system for all that provides world-class outcomes at half the cost of the dysfunctional American system.

*An economic meritocracy that provides opportunities to all citizens based on their efforts.

*A solid social safety net that looks after all in need.

*An affordable educational system that does not discriminate against children by postal code or status or identity.

*A parliamentary system that gets things done even though clear majority mandates for one party are rare. Most prime ministers get majorities – which avoid gridlock — but only twice since 1950 has a prime minister won 50% of the popular vote. This keeps our leaders honest and oriented toward finding and holding consensus.