I think of Canada as being like
the Maple tree: large urban centres making up the crown that everyone
enjoys and notices and the sprawling hinterland that represents
90% of the rest of the country are its roots. The roots are less
noticed, but play an essential role in nourishing and sustaining
the whole.
Historically the inhabitants of Northern Saskatchewan, like most
remote communities have had to choose between the options of remaining
at home as part of their native communities, or leaving the region
in order to access the kind of educational and employment opportunities
that most Canadians would consider only standard.
With the advent of the Internet we now have a third possibility.
Investments that are miniscule in relation to the cost of building
improved physical infrastructure can now deliver into our communities:
education; improved health care; and better employment opportunities,
via the Internet. This will serve to level the playing field between
our communities and urban centres. Instead of killing the roots
by drawing residents away, urban centres would be helping the tree
to become stronger.
The investments needed are small, relative to the value delivered,
but they are still needed.
To the majority of Canadians who do not live in Canada's northern
areas I would say that investment in smart community infrastructure
within northern Canada represents the best investment you will ever
make in your own economic future, and in the health and future well
being of your community and our country.
