Unbox Canada – A Real Gift to the World

Hello friends.

The holiday season while a fun time to celebrate is also an occasion to take a thoughtful pause. It is a time for family and friends, shared meals, gifts, and moments of quiet joy. More importantly, it is a time for gratitude – gratitude for what we have today and renewed hope for what tomorrow can be.

This season, every such moment has filled me with deep appreciation for a gift we often take for granted, yet one that remains truly extraordinary – Canada.

Canada has long stood as a shining example of how diversity can truly work – not just as an ideal, but as a living, functioning reality. In an increasingly polarized world, Canada has been a trusted bridge – between cultures, between economies, and between differing worldviews. Historically, Canada has maintained a deep engagement with the United States, strong and enduring ties with Europe, earned considerable credibility across the Global South, and constructive, respectful partnerships across Asia and Africa.

We have led ethically and responsibly in food security, science and technology through world-class research and education, and stable financial institutions that have supported both domestic prosperity and global resilience. Canada has not only worked well for its own people but has consistently stepped up for others in moments of global need.

Yet, when things work well for a long time, complacency can quietly take hold. The challenges we have faced over the last few years – economic, social, and geopolitical – should not discourage us. On the contrary, I believe they are an opportunity. If we are willing to introspect honestly, recalibrate thoughtfully, and act decisively, these challenges will ultimately make Canada stronger. A nation that learns and course-corrects cannot lose. On the contrary, it can bounce back even stronger.

This is the moment to redefine our vision as a country and as a society. Where do we want Canada to be in the next 50 to 100 years?

With the natural resources, human capital, institutional strength, and moral credibility we possess, Canada is uniquely positioned not just to be a supplier to the world, but a trusted stabilizer at a time when volatility has become the global norm. In discussions across Canada, India, and many other parts of the world, the same themes consistently emerge – trust, consistency, peace, sustainable growth, critical minerals, food & water security, innovation, environmental stewardship, and the physical, mental, and economic well-being of humanity.

Canada fits naturally and powerfully into every one of these global priorities. We are not on the sidelines of history; we are meant to be a catalyst.

To do so, however, we must set aside unproductive agendas and focus relentlessly on what truly moves the nation forward. Canada has a highly motivated, educated, skilled, and entrepreneurial workforce that is ready to contribute and ready to lead. What is required is a policy environment that enables this potential to be unleashed. A few decades of clear vision, principled leadership, and consistent policy will place Canada on a trajectory that others around the world will look to with admiration.

There is also renewed optimism on the Canada-India front. As an Indo-Canadian, nothing brings greater pride than seeing this important bilateral relationship moving in the right direction. Canada has been and will continue to be-one of India’s closest and most trusted partners. The restart of trade negotiations and progress toward meaningful outcomes can significantly strengthen this bond, unlocking long-term opportunities, encouraging two-way investment, and facilitating the flow of the right kind of talent between two vibrant democracies.

Most importantly, I believe Canadians are ready. What we seek now is action – clear, focused, and courageous action from leadership and policymakers. Canada must place Canada First – strengthening housing affordability, ensuring food security, restoring confidence in the future, and making every family feel safe, supported, and hopeful. This is not an impossible task – we have done it before. We may have lost our way briefly, but with thoughtful recalibration, we can return to the path that built one of the world’s most admired societies.

We owe this to Canada.

We owe this to all Canadians.

And we owe this to future generations who will inherit the country we shape today.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season, and a healthy, hopeful, and prosperous New Year ahead.

Thank You!