2010 Belongs to Canada!

Hosting the Olympics and the G8 summit and looking for fame, Canada could be next year's hottest country. Go, team.

Next year could be the International Year of Canada. But we have to change things now if we want to make it happen.

Why? Because Canada has yet to establish a new role for itself on the international stage. There are some promising signs – new dialogue with the European Union on trade and with the U.S. on energy, increased outreach to China, and a claim to the North – but none of these have grabbed the hearts and minds of Canadians.

Consider the words of our national anthem. Politicians have been drawing on them recently: Michael Ignatieff has written True Patriot Love, and Stephen Harper’s government has branded Canada the “True North Strong and Free.” If we want to engage Canadians, we need to inspire them by tapping into their work ethic, imagination, and ideas. We need to approach Canada’s role in the world “with glowing hearts” if we want to “see thee rise.”

Specifically, we can set a new course for Canada in 2010 by being champions in the worlds of sports and international affairs. Even just a few small victories could go a long way.

Let's start with sports. The Olympics are coming. The world will be watching. The 2010 Winter Games are expected to be the first environmentally sustainable Games, and their legacy will benefit British Columbia for decades to come. The Vancouver Olympics will let us showcase our best athletes, our latest infrastructure, and our pristine Pacific coast.

Canadians are lining up to carry the torch. We expect a high medal count. The hype is already building, with the youthful television commercials driven by the question, "Do you believe?” The promise of gold medals, new world records, and personal bests is a rallying cry for all Canadians. We need results, and getting them requires more money for our athletes.

Also, next winter Canada will host the World Junior Hockey Championship in Regina and Saskatoon, the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Timmins, and the Ford World Women's Curling Championship in Swift Current. Hockey and curling are two winter sports that Canadians love, and we need to dominate them.

Growing up, I spent my time power skating, going to early morning practices, and weekend hockey tournaments. I travelled to the Athens Olympics in 2004 as a volunteer on the Canadian Olympic Committee. I've always felt there's something great about competing to win. It's something that every kid, parent, and grandparent can understand. Why don’t we use sports to kick-start a new Canadian winning attitude in the world? Finishing second, matching a personal best, and just showing up, are no longer good enough.

Another source of pride for Canadians is our multicultural democracy, which gives us a foundation as a multilateral player. But our role abroad is shrinking. With a few exceptions – such our troops fighting in Afghanistan – Canada is playing a smaller and smaller role in the world. At some point Canadians will have to reconcile this truth with their inflated perception of our positive influence in the international community. At some point we will have to create new leadership positions and stop living off of old legacies.

Next year presents massive opportunities for launching a new strategy in international affairs. The biggest driver is the fact we're going to host the G8 summit. As well, it's Canada's turn to host the Three Amigos meeting with the American and Mexican presidents.

These prime time events will force Canada to establish our national priorities and to explain our interests to the international community. As well, Canada will have to decide how we're going to withdraw from Afghanistan and redefine the role in the war on terrorism. We also want a seat on the UN Security Council, and we need to find allies to support our quest for this position.

My modest experience representing Canada abroad – as a fellow in the UK's Chevening Programme and U.S.'s International Leadership Program – tells me that Canada would be well served by doing something bold and new. It would make things better for Canada's soldiers, business leaders, backpackers, and politicians when they travel around the world.

The string of minority federal governments has led to stasis and stagnation on many major international issues. Charting a new course may require a majority or stable minority government based on Parliamentary partnerships willing to focus on Canada's sphere of influence and national interest. That means each of us should think about Canada's role in the world this fall when we get to cast our votes in what will likely be the fourth federal election in five years.

It's clear that 2010 is a rare opportunity to step up with a long-term game plan. Next year could be the International Year of Canada. Do you believe?