Dear Future Prime Minister of Canada and all fellow Canadians,

In the currently evolving economic and geo-political scenarios of Canada, I am proposing the development of 10 new regional vibrant cities across Canada for boosting economy by escalated growth of the population, production and prosperity, as described in my proposal below:

Background: Canada is the second-largest country in total area and fourth-largest in total land area in the world. Despite this vast landmass, its current population is only 41 million, with a population density of 4 persons per square kilometer, one of the lowest among major high-income countries. Compared to other developed nations, Canada for its size lacks the critical mass of population necessary for long-term economic sustainability towards making a “Stronger North”, defending its sovereignty and protecting its territorial integrity.

"Canada has become overly reliant on the United States for its agri-food exports over the years, which have quadrupled in value to more than $100 billion. However, the successful trade partnership — now threatened by President Donald Trump’s looming tariffs — has grown at the expense of Canada’s global competitiveness," an online news portal quoted as according to a new report by the Royal Bank of Canada .

The warning of the RBC as quoted by the online portal, emphasized, "Until the early 2000s, Canada ranked fifth among countries involved in global agri-food trade. Today, it sits in seventh place, behind China and Brazil, with greater global competition expected in the decades ahead. If corrective measures aren’t taken, Canada could fall even further — to ninth place by 2035. However, with the right investments and strategic trade partnerships, Canada can regain market share and improve its global positioning."

Historically, Canada has relied heavily on its natural resources, such as oil, gas, and minerals, and its economic dependence on the United States has made it vulnerable to trade disruptions, such as tariffs and market fluctuations. The country has not developed a self-sufficient economy with strong domestic production made possible by a balanced population distribution.

A new strategy is necessary to address these issues here and now. Canada must focus on regional economic development by increasing its population in key locations and fostering production-based industries. The solution lies in strategically developing new regional cities and encouraging immigration through a targeted regional immigration program. This program would bring in skilled workers on five-year contracts to build and develop these cities, with priority pathways to permanent residency.

Proposed Plan: The plan involves selecting ten small towns across Canada with high economic potential and transforming them into vibrant mid-sized cities through industrial investment and population growth. Each town would specialize in a specific sector that aligns with its natural advantages. Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) would play a crucial role in fostering innovation and supporting economic development in these areas.

Selected Towns and Their Economic Potential:

1. Dawson Creek, British Columbia

o Industry Focus: Renewable energy, agribusiness, and logistics.

o Development Strategy: Expansion of wind and solar energy projects, along with an agricultural processing hub.

o RDA Support: Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan).

2. Brooks, Alberta

o Industry Focus: Agri-food processing and meat production.

o Development Strategy: Enhancing food processing facilities and expanding irrigation-based farming.

o RDA Support: Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan).

3. Moosomin, Saskatchewan

o Industry Focus: Potash mining, agri-food processing, and logistics.

o Development Strategy: Strengthening potash processing and transportation infrastructure.

o RDA Support: Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan).

4. Thompson, Manitoba

o Industry Focus: Battery metals and aerospace.

o Development Strategy: Nickel refining for EV batteries and aerospace technology innovation.

o RDA Support: Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan).

5. Dryden, Ontario

o Industry Focus: Forestry and sustainable construction materials.

o Development Strategy: Promoting engineered wood products and eco-friendly packaging industries.

o RDA Support: Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor).

6. Sept-Îles, Quebec

o Industry Focus: Green steel production and rare earth mineral extraction.

o Development Strategy: Establishing a hydrogen-powered steel industry and battery component manufacturing.

o RDA Support: Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED).

7. Miramichi, New Brunswick

o Industry Focus: Cybersecurity and digital services.

o Development Strategy: Developing IT and cybersecurity hubs with government and private sector support.

o RDA Support: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

8. Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia

o Industry Focus: Marine manufacturing and green hydrogen.

o Development Strategy: Leveraging its deep-sea port for shipbuilding and hydrogen fuel production.

o RDA Support: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

9. Yarmouth, Nova Scotia

• Industry Focus: Offshore wind energy and seafood processing.

• Development Strategy: Establishing offshore wind farms and expanding seafood export capacity.

• RDA Support: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

10. Corner Brook, Newfoundland & Labrador

o Industry Focus: Aquaculture and ocean technology.

o Development Strategy: Developing sustainable fisheries and marine biotechnology research.

o RDA Support: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

Implementation Strategy:

1. Federal and Provincial Collaboration: Secure funding and policy support from the federal and provincial governments.

2. Targeted Regional Immigration Program: Attract immigrants with specific skills to populate and build these cities.

3. Infrastructure Development: Build transportation, energy, and housing infrastructure.

4. Investment in Education and Training: Establish vocational schools and research centers to train the workforce.

5. Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage investment from private industries to support local businesses.

Conclusion: By focusing on these 10 strategic locations, Canada can develop a network of mid-sized cities that contribute to a more self-sufficient economy, reduce dependency on resource exports, and create a sustainable population base for long-term growth. Through targeted immigration and industrial diversification, these towns can become thriving centers of innovation and production, ensuring Canada’s economic resilience in the future.

I call upon all fellow Canadians to join me by signing in this petition, endorsing my proposal.

Thank you.

Dr. Drona Rasali

Vancouver, British Columbia