A national discussion is slowly emerging about what Canada should look like at 150 years of age – in 2017.  A pivotal moment in our history, that date might well prove to the world what this country thinks of itself and its place in the global family. At a time when the world has its collective eye on Vancouver and the Olympics, it seems like a logical occasion to hold a coast-to-coast-to-coast dialogue on our self-identity, our challenges and our dreams.

When it comes to international development, and foreign aid in particular, I would suggest that Canada at 150 should look a lot like it did at 100. Just prior to the memorable celebrations of our Centennial, a formative process was taking place concerning some solid thinking outside of the box when it came to how we would negotiate our compassionate presence in the world, especially as it applied to the poorest of the poor.

The dynamic that came out of those days caused the rest of the world to realize that Canada possessed a robust view of development. I have interviewed some who were in the inner circle in those days and they still regard that era as the best days of their lives.

Led first by Lester Pearson and followed by an imaginative Pierre Trudeau, a new spirit was alive in the land. But it wasn’t to prevail without a battle. Large and significant players weighed in that any effort to move this country into the world should be led first and foremost by our concern for international investment and national self-interest. The debates were as forceful as any before or since.

The irony of the situation was clearly on display when Maurice Strong, a millionaire and business entrepreneur, was selected as the Director General of the External Aid Office in 1966, just months prior to the Centennial. The corporate community smiled to itself at having one of their own at the helm, but it wasn’t long before Strong pressed in a new direction that left many around him dizzy at the pace.

Frustrating business leaders and bureaucrats alike, Strong brought in remarkably talented people who often reasoned how Canada could lead the world in international compassion. Two years later, Strong oversaw the inception of the Canadian International Development Agency and, just like that, international development came of age.

Maurice Strong’s success ultimately depended on his ability to read the mood of Canadians and sense that they wanted their nation to be more than what it was, driven by the sense of optimism of the Centennial itself. Suddenly gone was the pessimism that surrounded foreign aid and in its place emerged innovative concepts that shunned historic limitations and embraced new possibilities.

In fact, the ideas came so fast and furious that by the time Maurice Strong left office a few years later, a cartoon was published in a newspaper that showed him running quickly along, throwing small pieces of paper over his shoulder which were then collected by harried CIDA officials. Each paper was labeled with the word “idea.”

It was an exciting, dynamic season that resulted in a national resolve. Canada’s development assistance program was transformed from a minor foreign aid incentive to a central dynamic in our foreign policy initiatives. Those believing in long-term development and its importance prevailed, following years of skeptical thinking. Given CIDA’s present demise in importance and recognition, there is no shortage of formative thinkers willing to assist it to become a powerful force once again. The will is there. What is needed now is the political leadership. With only seven years left until Canada’s 150th birthday, we’d best get on with it.