As Canada turns the page to 2026, readers of the National Post are looking beyond personal resolutions and setting ambitious goals for the nation itself. In a series of published letters, citizens are calling for a collective awakening to demand better governance and to finally live up to the country's immense potential.
A Litany of Government Failures
One prominent theme in the correspondence is a deep-seated frustration with systemic government shortcomings. Letter writer John Harris of Toronto compiled a damning list of what he sees as chronic failures. He points to the significant expansion of the public service since 2015, which he argues has not translated into improved performance.
Harris's catalogue of concerns is extensive. It includes the failure to deport criminal aliens, a shortage of judges causing court delays, and inadequate protection for Jewish Canadians amid rising antisemitism. On the economic front, he cites the inability to secure a new trade deal with the United States and a decade of stagnant GDP per capita growth.
The failures, he notes, extend to life-and-death matters, referencing the tragic case of a 44-year-old patient who died of a heart attack in a hospital ER waiting room. Other issues highlighted are flawed military procurement, a mismanaged immigration system, and the government's struggle to contain separatist sentiments in Quebec and Alberta.
Unrealized Potential in a Blessed Land
What makes these failures so galling for Harris and others is the contrast with Canada's inherent advantages. The letter argues that Canada is a nation blessed with almost unlimited resources, vast wealth, an educated workforce, and unparalleled geographic security. With oceans on three sides and a generally benign neighbour to the south, the country lacks the existential threats faced by others.
Yet, despite these gifts, Harris laments that Canada finds itself last in economic growth among G7 nations when population change is factored in. He expresses bewilderment at the public's apparent acceptance of mediocrity and lack of critical demand for excellence from its leaders.
The letter also touches on the political landscape, questioning the widespread praise for Prime Minister Mark Carney. Harris suggests that while Carney may have raised the bar from his predecessor Justin Trudeau, the fundamental expectation for transformative, competent governance remains unmet.
Other Voices in the Conversation
The call for a national reset was echoed by other readers who contributed to the forum. Their resolutions for Canada covered a wide spectrum of issues, reflecting the diverse concerns of the populace.
One letter praised filmmaker Rob Reiner, while another took aim at climate activist Greta Thunberg. The latter, referencing a December 30 column by Terry Newman, criticized Thunberg's activism as attention-seeking stunts. The writer suggested that the privileged activist should "grow up" and channel her energy into more constructive, beneficial efforts for Western society.
Another critical topic addressed was the condemnation of antisemitism, with readers demanding stronger action and protection for Jewish communities across Canada.
A New Year's Call to Action
John Harris concludes his letter with a clear prescription for change. He asserts that while the problem starts with government, the solution must come from the citizenry. It will require both ordinary and extraordinary citizens to demand more and, ultimately, to vote differently.
His New Year's resolution for Canada is a simple but powerful one: to begin the hard work of living up to the potential with which the nation has been endowed. As 2026 unfolds, these published letters serve as a public manifesto, challenging Canadians to move from passive criticism to active expectation, transforming national promise into tangible reality.
