I love using Singapore’s clean and efficient Mass Rapid Transit system whenever I visit the city-state. But during my extended stay there this January, I found myself spending more time than usual in Grabs, the Southeast Asian version of Uber.
One of the things I enjoyed about these rides was the opportunity to speak with the drivers, who were almost all native Singaporeans. To-a-person, I found them to be proud and knowledgeable about their city-state. And why wouldn’t they be? These individuals enjoy a middle-class standard of living, affordable housing (it costs about C$300,000 for locals to buy a family-sized flat), and an efficient blend of public and private health care.
It’s easy to shrug and think, “Well that’s just Singapore. They are exceptional and lucky.” But that would be to miss the point.
Singapore didn’t seek independence from Malaysia in 1965 because it felt destined to be a prosperous city-state. It left — or was kicked out, depending on who you ask — because of different political goals and racial tensions. At the time, it was a seedy port city, and there were serious questions about whether it could survive.
But in the decades since independence, it has relentlessly pursued economic growth, education, technology, open trading relationships and unrivaled transparency and efficiency in its public services. It has also committed itself to ensuring the equality of Singapore’s diverse cultural communities, with an understanding that every citizen is a Singaporean first.
As a result of these efforts, Singapore has emerged as one of the most advanced and prosperous places in the world.
Singapore’s founding prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, undoubtedly played a key role in this success. He led the country for most of his life and was single-minded in his vision.
But I don’t think Singapore’s success is singularly attributable to one great leader. I think the enduring social contract between Singapore and its citizens is what really stands out.
Singaporeans expect vision and excellence from their government, and hold those who fail to lead to account. In return for their government delivering security, prosperity and essential services, Singaporeans are willing to work hard, respect rules and do their part to build a great society.
Until recently, it was hard to imagine what kind of crisis would be required to shake Canadians out of their complacency.
But now I wonder if the recent Trump-induced shock to the Canadian psyche can be used to create a Singapore moment in Canada. Late last year I wrote an article titled Are Your Ready to Fight for Canada? In the intervening weeks, I have been heartened to see momentum building for Canada to finally grow-up.
But let’s be clear, this will require more than checking labels at the grocery store to see where something was produced. It means ruthlessly taking on our many sacred cows, like breaking down the interprovincial barriers that prevent Canadians from selling products and working in their trades.
It means fast-tracking the construction of pipelines and refineries from coast-to-coast so we can deliver Alberta and Saskatchewan’s energy throughout Canada and to waiting markets in Europe and Asia. When Germany needed to quickly pivot to new sources of natural gas at the outset of the Ukraine War, they were able to expedite new liquid natural gas terminals into operation in eight months. These things are possible — just not in the current version of Canada.
And we also need to face the parts of our economy that will not survive. Here’s a sacred cow for you: there is no future for a North American integrated automotive supply chain. Time for Ontario to move on. There will be lots of new opportunities that arise from our need to quickly ramp up defence projects, supply infrastructure projects and maybe build a global nuclear energy industry in Ontario.
Frankly, I’m not sure we’re up to the challenge.
Brexiteers in the UK famously mused that the UK could become “Singapore on Thames” after leaving Europe. This has turned out to be a failed vision that now looks like a bad joke. The UK failed because it wasn’t honest with itself about the challenges and changes ahead.
If we build a real social contract in Canada, where we take on sacred cows and make some sacrifices, we might have a chance. Let’s try to make this our Singapore moment.
Yes!