As Canada Day celebrations begin, I find myself thinking about our country’s outstanding history of nation building. The construction of Canada’s first transcontinental railway comes to mind as the most important national infrastructure project of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Started back in 1881 by Canada’s first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada embarked on its first nation-building experience. The project was a bold and ambitious plan that ultimately unified and strengthened the country. The railroad promised social and economic prosperity, while sending a strong message to the United States that Canada was not interested in becoming just another state in the union.
On Nov. 7, 1885, the final spike was laid at Craigellachie, B.C., completing a 1,600-kilometre railroad linking together western and eastern Canada. The project required tremendous political courage and leadership, but the results were worth the effort. It crossed party lines and the country was focused on what it could become – a great nation of the north.
mo
Scholz: Pipelines are the nation-building opportunity of our time | Calgary Herald
On Nov. 7, 1885, the final spike was laid at Craigellachie, B.C., completing a 1,600-kilometre railroad linking together western and eastern Canada. The project required tremendous political courage and leadership, but the results were worth the effort. It crossed party lines and the country was focused on what it could become – a great nation of the north.
mo
Scholz: Pipelines are the nation-building opportunity of our time | Calgary Herald